CATANAUAN, Quezon - The Southeast Asian Regional Center for Graduate Study and Research in Agriculture (SEARCA) organized a two-day training-workshop focusing on good agricultural practices (GAP) and a refresher course on coconut processing for farmers in Quezon Province. This initiative is under the project, "Development of the Coconut Industry Growth Areas in the Province of Quezon", held on 5–6 December 2023 in Catanauan, Quezon. The event was co-organized with the Provincial Government of Quezon through the Office of the Provincial Agriculturist (OPA) and the Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA) Region IV, with support from the Municipal Government of Catanauan through the Office of the Municipal Agriculturist (OMA).
Prior to the workshop, SEARCA conducted a training needs assessment (TNA) in July 2022 with six coconut-based farmer organizations in Catanauan. The findings highlighted a significant demand for training among farmers, leading to two pivotal training programs: Training on Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) for Coconut and a Refresher Training Course on Coconut Processing.
The program kicked off with an inspiring message from Dr. Gerlie Tatlonghari, program head of SEARCA's Research and Thought Leadership Department (RTLD), Mr. Bibiano Concibido, Jr., regional manager of PCA Region IV, and Ms. Monina Jacobo, chief of the coconut division of OPA-Quezon. The esteemed speakers delivered motivational messages, emphasizing the crucial nature of these trainings for the farmers' organizations. They encouraged participants to take initiative, underscoring the potential for their businesses to thrive.
The first training day focused on GAP for coconut, with expert insights provided by Ms. Rose Ann Alejandro and Mr. Moises De Mesa, both of PCA Region IV (Laguna). The sessions covered critical aspects such as site selection and management, nursery establishment, water management, and postharvest handling. The first day concluded with a closing program led by Ms. Jacobo.
On the second day, participants were engaged in the processing of coconuts into products such as buko juice, lambanog, and coco water vinegar, led by Ms. Alejandro and Mr. De Mesa. The afternoon session also enriched the participants' knowledge with valuable contributions from Ms. Mylene Culing, acting municipal agriculturist of Alabat, Quezon, and Mr. Francisco Rubio of Greenlife, Inc. This segment delved into coco sap sugar and virgin coconut oil (VCO) production, providing practical insights and techniques crucial in the coconut processing industry.
The training concluded with a closing message from Ms. Anna Gale Vallez, program specialist of SEARCA-RTLD, where she expressed optimism about the positive impact of the training on Quezon's coconut farmers. She added that the success of this program not only equips farmers with essential skills but also paves the way for the sustainable growth of Quezon Province's coconut industry.
With 30 participants actively involved in the event, the program laid the foundation for knowledge-sharing and showcased a collaborative effort among SEARCA, OPA-Quezon, and PCA Region IV. This initiative is a significant step toward empowerment and sustainable growth of Quezon Province's coconut industry through a promising approach for farmers and the region.