By Kenneth Marcos 
Early in the morning at a learning farm, coconut farmers gathered with notebooks in hand and questions in mind. Many had traveled from nearby communities, eager to learn new ways to improve their harvest and strengthen their livelihoods. For them, the training was not just about planting seedlings. It was about building a stronger future for the coconut industry.
A three-day training on Coconut Nursery Establishment and Management was held from March 10 to 12, 2026, at the PS Integrated Farm, bringing together 31 coconut farmers who want to improve their knowledge and skills in coconut production.
The activity highlighted the importance of proper seedling care, farm management, and cooperation among farmers to strengthen the country’s coconut sector. One of the key parts of the program was a presentation on the Coconut Farmers and Industry Development Plan (CFIDP), delivered by Jhonmark L. Idorita, a resource speaker from GLS Agricultural Integrated Farm.
During his talk, Idorita stressed that cooperation among coconut farmers is vital for long-term success. He explained that when farmers work together, they can share knowledge, improve productivity, and better respond to challenges such as pests, diseases, and climate-related risks.
The Coconut Farmers and Industry Development Plan is a long-term national program designed to support coconut farmers and modernize the coconut industry. The initiative was created following the passage of the Coconut Farmers and Industry Trust Fund Act, which aims to use funds from recovered coconut levies to improve the livelihood of coconut farmers across the country.
Under the CFIDP, several programs are being implemented to help coconut farmers. These include farm rehabilitation, distribution of quality seedlings, farm diversification, training programs, and access to modern technologies. The goal is to increase productivity, improve incomes, and create a more sustainable coconut industry.
The training at PS Integrated Farm focused on the establishment and proper management of coconut nurseries. Participants learned practical steps in selecting quality seeds, preparing nursery beds, and maintaining healthy coconut seedlings. These skills are important because strong and healthy seedlings are the foundation of productive coconut farms.
Experts also explained the importance of proper spacing, watering, soil preparation, and disease prevention during the early stages of coconut plant growth. Farmers were encouraged to apply these practices in their own communities to improve survival rates and ensure better yields in the future.
Aside from technical lessons, the training also gave farmers the chance to exchange ideas and share their experiences. Many participants discussed the challenges they face, including aging coconut trees, changing weather patterns, and limited access to farm inputs.
Coconut farming remains one of the most important agricultural sectors in the Philippines. According to government data, the country has more than three million coconut farmers, many of whom depend on the crop as their main source of income. Coconut products, including copra, coconut oil, and other value-added goods, also contribute to the country’s agricultural exports.
Because of this, government agencies and agricultural institutions continue to promote training programs that help farmers adopt better practices and improve farm productivity. Programs like this training aim to ensure that farmers have the knowledge needed to manage their farms more efficiently.
By the end of the three-day activity, participants left with new skills and a stronger understanding of how cooperation and proper farm management can improve their livelihood.
For many of the farmers who attended, the lesson was clear: when farmers learn together and support each other, the coconut industry can grow stronger and more sustainable for the next generation.
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