SOUTHERN LEYTE – In an effort to transform the coconut industry in the Philippines, the GIZ Coconut Alliance Project team recently visited the conventional and demonstration farms in Southern Leyte to observe the current farming practices in the country.
The GIZ Coconut Alliance Project is a partnership of the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ), a German development agency, with its private partners namely Barry Callebaut, Cargill, Jacobs Douwe Egberts, Nestlé, Procter & Gamble, Royal Friesland Campina, and Unilever.
This year’s visit provided a venue for knowledge exchange and collaboration between and among the project stakeholders focusing on their inspiring coconut farmers about their current farming practices and the potential of adopting sustainable approaches.
Bendicar Gerona, the owner of the Bendicar Farm, showcased the successful integration of sustainable practices and community engagement in his farm, while another coconut farmer, Boyet Madera, shared his story of resiliency when their province was hit by a super typhoon in 2021.
Joining the project visit was the team from the Agricultural Training Institute (ATI), with Center Director Hazel Grace T. Taganas of ATI Regional Training Center (RTC) VIII, Information Officer II John Lord Auman of ATI RTC XII and Romermart Aubigne M. Peñamora, Development Management Officer II of ATI Central Office.
Another significant highlight of the activity was witnessing the conduct of the Coconut FBS-GAP Land Scale Training in action. This activity was designed to empower the farmer-participants with the knowledge and skills to improve their livelihoods through diversification, value-added product creation, and sustainable resource management.
The training, along with the insights gleaned from the National Coconut Research Center visit, shed light on the ongoing efforts to ensure a thriving and resilient coconut industry for the future.
Held from February 27 to March 1, 2024, the Coconut Alliance Project Partners' Visit served as a powerful testament to the transformative potential of collaboration. The project fosters a shared vision for a sustainable and prosperous future for coconut production in the Philippines by bringing together diverse stakeholders. The stories of resilience, innovation, and collective action captured during the visit offer a glimpse of the positive impact this collaborative effort is creating in Southern Leyte and beyond.
