Sambulawan coco growers gain nursery skills

Training on Nursery Establishment and Management – Batch 1 was successfully conducted in Brgy. Sambulawan, Dinas, Zamboanga del Sur, on September 10–12, 2025, through Agricultural Training Institute-Regional Training Center IX (ATI-RTC IX), CFIDP Program, and full support of the Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA), Zamboanga del Sur.

This three-day training is aimed at equipping 30 participating farmers and cooperatives with the knowledge and skills necessary to establish and manage coconut nurseries that conform to PCA standards, thereby ensuring the production of high-quality planting materials in support of the Coconut Farmers and Industry Development Plan (CFIDP).

The activity was formally opened with a comprehensive presentation on the Coconut Farmers and Industry Trust Fund Act (Republic Act No. 11524) and the current situation of the coconut industry, delivered by Mr. Salvador B. Mariño Jr., Coconut Development Officer in the area.

To further strengthen participants’ technical knowledge and practical skills, Mr. Warin R. Gardose, an expert from the PCA, served as the resource person. He delivered relevant discussions covering the importance of nursery establishment, nursery management practices, and pest and disease management.

Key features of the training included group participatory learning activities such as seedbed layouting, seednut selection, and setting. These exercises emphasized that the success of establishing a coconut plantation begins with the production of high-quality planting materials. In the setting process, seednuts are planted firmly in the seedbed, positioned either upright or slightly tilted, ensuring that the germ end is placed at the top to promote healthy and uniform germination.

On day 3, participants had a visit to PCA CHP-Communal coconut nursery situated in San Miguel, Zamboanga del Sur, where they gained first-hand experience and learnings on nursery management practices such as growing media preparation and polybagging. The field activity was led by Mr. Salvador B. Marino Jr., PCA-Staff, and Ms. Chin-ann D. Jimenez, PCA-Staff/ Nursery In-charge.

As shared by the participant Mr. Jimmy Sorabia, “Dala nato kini nga natun-an ug magamit sa atong tagsa tagsa ka uma aron mahimo kitang kabahin sa kausaban ug kalambuan sa atong komunidad’’.

Through this combination of lectures, hands-on activities, and field exposure, the training successfully enhanced the capability of participants to establish and manage coconut nurseries that meet industry standards and contribute to the long-term goals of the CFIDP.

This training was facilitated by Ms. Cherry Jane V. Bagonggong and Mr. Jay-ar S. Mariquita, both CFIDP Technical Support Staff, and was conducted under the supervision of Mr. Julito B. Cordova, TS II/ CFIDP Focal Person.