TALALORA, Samar - Coconut-focused programs continue with farmers and processors in Eastern Visayas. This is in line with the implementation of Coconut Farmers and Industry Development Plan (CFIDP) where ATI leads the conduct of training for farmers, farmers’ associations, and cooperators along with other implementing agencies.
To complement nursery establishment and production training, ATI-RTC 8 also provides value-added training. This aims to maximize the potential for enterprise and livelihood in the locality, thus leading to increased income and additional job opportunities in the communities.
One of the main commercial crops in Talalora, Samar is coconut where coco sap has been one of the priority products. With the training, participants were able to improve and standardize the quality of collected and processed coco sap for the production of VCO, Coco Aminos, Coco nectar, Coco balsamic, and Coco vinegar. In addition, participants also enjoyed the product packaging and marketing workshop.
The main commercial crop in the Samar province is coconut, which is mostly concentrated in coastal areas. Thus, they are encouraged to carry out value-adding activities to maximize potential for enterprise and livelihood. This supports the increase in the incomes of coconut farmers, as well as the creation of jobs and enterprises within the communities.
Mr. Samuel Mejica shares, "This is our first time to be visited and trained by the ATI. The group is very grateful because not only did we learn about the processing of coconut sap, but also we learned about the many programs by the government for the coconut farmers. As the main source of our income, this good news brought us hope that soon our lives will be elevated. Thank you for the opportunity and we are hoping that you come back for more training."
The training aims to enhance the marketability of their coconut food products and by-products and further boost revenue and profits. Ultimately, this will enhance the Philippine coconut industry’s competitiveness.
A total of 32 farmer-processors and coconut toppers attended the Training on Production of Coconut Products and its By-products on July 29-31, 2024 at Axel Integrated Farm, Brgy. Poblacion 1, Talalora, Samar.
