San Miguel, Leyte — In a continuing effort to strengthen sustainable agriculture and improve farmers’ productivity and income, the Agricultural Training Institute–Regional Training Center VIII (ATI-RTC 8) successfully conducted the third (3rd) batch of the Training on Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) on Coconut-Cacao Farming System on April 6–8, 2026, at the Capilihan Agrarian Reform Cooperative (CARCO) in Brgy. Canap, San Miguel, Leyte.
The three-day capacity-building activity gathered thirty-five (35) coconut and cacao farmers, equipping them with essential knowledge and practical skills on GAP standards aligned with national policies and global food safety requirements. The training forms part of the Coconut Farmers and Industry Development Plan (CFIDP).
Anchored on the principles of GAP, the training highlighted key components such as food safety, produce quality, environmental protection, and workers’ health, safety, and welfare, emphasizing their role in minimizing contamination risks, ensuring high-quality produce, and improving market competitiveness. Participants were also guided on PhilGAP certification, including its requirements, application procedures, and inspection processes. Moreover, technical sessions further covered the CFIDP framework, the status of the coconut and cacao industries, types of food hazards, and GAP standards for coconut and fruit and vegetable systems, alongside essential farm management practices such as site selection, soil sampling, farm planning, proper planting material selection, pest and disease management, and the importance of farm documentation and record-keeping for traceability and compliance.
To reinforce learning, the training incorporated hands-on practicum activities where participants engaged in actual farm operations. These included field lay-outing, planting and replanting of coconut and cacao seedlings, soil sampling, ring weeding and fertilization of coconut and cacao seedlings, and pruning of cacao bearing trees. Through these activities, farmers were able to directly apply recommended GAP practices in a real-world setting, enhancing their competence and confidence in managing diversified coconut-based farming systems.
Furthermore, a benchmarking activity at Caboloan Tomorrow Farm in Barugo, Leyte enriched the learning experience, as participants observed and appreciated the successful implementation of coconut-cacao intercropping systems. The visit provided practical insights into efficient farm management and innovative approaches that can be replicated in their own farms.
The training activity also drew positive feedback from participating farmers, who expressed appreciation for the knowledge and practical skills gained throughout the training. Ms. Delia G. Metarte shared that the three-day activity significantly enhanced her understanding of improved farming practices, giving her confidence to apply these learnings to increase farm productivity and income. Similarly, Mr. Rhajan D. Labaclado noted that the training provided him with foundational knowledge on proper cacao production, which he had not previously acquired, and emphasized its value in helping farmers adopt more effective and sustainable practices. Meanwhile, Ms. Donita Rose B. Secoya highlighted the long-term impact of ATI’s capacity-building efforts, emphasizing how continuous access to such trainings empowers farmers to improve not only their own livelihoods but also contribute to the development of their communities.
As these farmers return to their respective communities equipped with new competencies, the impact of the training is expected to ripple across the region, fostering resilient farming systems and strengthening the coconut and cacao industries in Eastern Visayas. Hence, by promoting GAP adoption and facilitating access to PhilGAP certification, the initiative supports the broader goal of ensuring food safety, environmental sustainability, and competitiveness of Philippine agricultural products. (as reported by Keith Leviticus Quilos)
