BAYBAY CITY, Leyte - In line with the Coconut Farmers and Industry Development Plan (CFIDP), ATI-RTC 8 conducts a series of Training of Trainers (TOT) among local implementers including Agricultural Extension Workers (AEWs) in the Local Government Units and farmer-leaders in the communities to harness their skills on coconut production across the value chain.
Graduates of the TOT may serve as resource persons for topics on the various steps, processes, and theories related to coconut production and management. In addition, selected re-entry plans will be funded for implementation.
Ms. Concepcion B. Miro, Section Chief of the Career Development Management Services Section, reported that ATI RTC 8 will conduct twenty (25) batches of farmer-level Training on Coconut Production and Management this year. These are implemented in coordination with the TOT graduates (AEW, LSA Cooperators, or farmer leaders) from recommended coconut-producing Local Government Units that also have NCFRS-registered coconut farmers.
Most of the participants appreciated the activity since it was their first time to undergo training on coconut production and management. It was timely since coconuts in Southern Leyte needed replanting and rehabilitation. They have gained the confidence to share their knowledge and commit to being available for knowledge sharing on relevant topics in their respective areas and advocating for the CFIDP.
Mr. Byrne Marcelito S. Oppura, a coconut farmer in Pintuyan, Southern Leyte, shares, “Thank you ATI-RTC 8 for giving us this kind of training, especially to us coconut farmers. The knowledge we learned in this training helped us boost our confidence as coconut farmers. I also thank all our Resource Speakers for their guidance and for sharing their expertise and experiences with us. I hope that we will be able to apply and share the proper management skills we learned in this training with our respective municipalities.
Ms. Kleinaden D. Español, AEW of LGU Silago, is similarly thankful for the training and highlights its importance for the coconut farmers in her community. “This training helped me develop a deeper understanding of why coconut is one of the top important crops in the Philippines. The 5-day training enhanced my knowledge and skills relevant to coconut which is very timely. As an AEW of Silago, Southern Leyte where coconut has been produced over the years, the practices are still in touch with traditional ways but through this training, I was able to understand and perform the proper ways of coconut management to which I can share and help elevate the economic status of our coconut farmers.”
A total of 31 participants completed the Training of Trainers on Coconut Production and Management Batch 2 at VSU Hostel, VSU Campus, Baybay City, Leyte. (With reports from CB Miro)
