By Kenneth Marcos 
Early on Saturday mornings, farmers across the country tune in to the radio for news they can use. For coconut growers and rural families, these programs are more than talk. They are a source of guidance, new ideas, and hope for better income from the land they depend on.
This February 7, 2026, the Department of Agriculture returns on air with another episode of its agriculture program “Maunlad na Pilipino,” focusing on skills training and certification in coconut farming. The episode carries the theme “From Training to Certification: Coconut Farming at Gazebo de Loondon,” spotlighting how learning sites help prepare farmers and young Filipinos for more professional and sustainable work in the coconut industry.
The discussion will feature Gazebo de Loondon, recently recognized as an Agricultural Training Institute Accredited Learning Site for Agriculture. As an ATI learning site, the venue serves as a hands-on training center where farmers and trainees can gain practical knowledge, not just classroom lessons. Topics include farm management, modern coconut production practices, and pathways toward certification.
Officials said the program will explain how Gazebo de Loondon was developed as a training venue and why accreditation matters. Being an ATI-accredited site means that the training offered meets national standards and can help participants qualify for certifications recognized by the agriculture sector. These certifications can open doors to better job opportunities, farm productivity, and access to government programs.
Coconut farming remains a major livelihood in many provinces, employing millions of Filipinos directly and indirectly. Yet many coconut farmers remain among the poorest in the agriculture sector. Limited access to training, aging trees, and low farm productivity have long affected incomes. The DA and ATI see learning sites as a way to address these gaps by equipping farmers with updated skills and knowledge.
The radio episode will also discuss how ATI Learning Sites support the government’s broader goal of strengthening the coconut industry. Through training and certification, farmers are encouraged to adopt better farm practices, improve yields, and explore value-adding activities. These steps can help increase income while ensuring long-term sustainability.
Youth participation is another key focus of the program. By presenting coconut farming as a professional and skilled occupation, ATI hopes to attract younger Filipinos who may otherwise leave rural areas in search of work. Training centers like Gazebo de Loondon aim to show that agriculture can offer stable livelihoods when combined with knowledge, technology, and proper support.
Listeners can expect a practical and easy-to-understand discussion, designed especially for farmers, students, and community members. The program highlights real experiences and explains how interested individuals can learn more about ATI learning sites and training opportunities in their own regions.
DA officials said programs like “Maunlad na Pilipino” play an important role in bringing government services closer to the public. Radio remains one of the most accessible platforms for rural communities, especially where internet access is limited. By sharing information through the airwaves, the DA hopes to reach more farmers and encourage participation in training programs.
As the coconut industry faces challenges from climate change, market pressures, and aging farms, education and skills development remain critical. The February 7 episode serves as a reminder that progress often starts with learning, and that informed farmers are better prepared to improve their livelihoods.
The DA invites the public to tune in, listen, and take part in the discussion, as knowledge continues to be one of the strongest tools in building a more resilient and productive agriculture sector.
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