SULTAN NAGA DIMAPORO, Lanao del Norte (PIA)--Marking a significant stride in bolstering the coconut industry in the region, a groundbreaking and awarding ceremony of the Integrated White Copra and Coconut Oil Processing Facility for the Barangay Calube Farmers Multi-Purpose Cooperative (BACFA-MPC) and the turn-over of the Certificate of Commitment for the Season-Long Coconut Farm Business School transpired recently at Barangay Calube, Sultan Naga Dimaporo, here, September 28.

Heads and representatives of the different implementing agencies of the Coconut Farmers Industry Development Plan (CFIDP), including National Director Dionisio G. Alvindia of the Philippine Center for Postharvest Development and Mechanization, Agricultural Training Institute-Regional Training Center (ATI-RTC)-10 Center Director Maria Lydia A. Echavez, and representatives from the Provincial Government of Lanao del Norte and Local Government Unit of SND, graced the said event.

The establishment of the processing facility aims to increase the income of the coconut farmers by processing and adding value to their products. Another objective is to be established as a “coconut-based integrated processing enterprise” in the said area, develop value chains that will improve the quality of coconut products, and cultivate the skills of coconut farmers to promote coconut processing as a business enterprise.

ATI-RTC-10's commitment to Barangay Calube Farmers Multi-Purpose Cooperative is the conduct of the Season-Long Coconut Farm Business School. The Center turned over the Certificate of Commitment to the Cooperative through their Chairman, Jenalyn A. Ariston, and Manager, Edna A. Yorong.

The season-long training will be conducted so that they can have innovative approaches to dealing with new market opportunities that are arising and making their farms more profitable. This training also serves as a realization of the cooperative's re-entry plan for their participation in the ATI RTC-10's Training of Trainers on Farm Business School in May 2023.

“ATI will be conducting a season-long Coconut Farm Business School in your community. This training will talk about how to manage your projects or your cooperative as a business. This is not only for your cooperative but for your personal development, which you may also apply in your respective businesses,” Echavez said. (ATI-10/PIA-10/Lanao del Norte)