Learning site in Cagayan to boost coconut industry
A COCONUT-BASED learning site for agriculture (Coco LSA) is expected to boost the coconut industry in Region 2 (Cagayan Valley).
Located in Barangay Amunitan in Gonzaga, Cagayan, the THL Integrated Coconut Farm and Nature Park has officially opened its gates “marking the dawn of a new era in agricultural education,” according to the Agricultural Training Institute-Regional Training Center 2 (ATI-RTC2).
With this achievement, the THL Integrated Coconut Farm and Nature Park was provided with official LSA signage, and certification from the ATI-RTC2 was also awarded to founder and owner Nenita Ayuyang.
ATI-RTC2 Officer in Charge Director Claris Marayag-Alaska said the coco-based LSA in Gonzaga is the first in Region 2, expressing her thanks to Ayuyang for embracing one of the programs of ATI.
“This coco-based learning site for agriculture will serve as a training venue and technology demonstration area in the municipality of Gonzaga for coconut production and its components,” Alaska said.
She is encouraging coconut farmers in the municipality to attend capability-building activities to capacitate them not just in coconut production but also in value-adding practices, and the planting of other crops that can be integrated with coconut farming.
The ATI-RTC2 also expressed its steadfast support for the successful operation of the coco-based SLA, emphasizing the collaborative efforts required to empower generations of coconut growers in Gonzaga and beyond.
As the coco-based LSA cooperator, Ayuyang, who is also both a farm manager and a practical agriculturist, expressed her strong commitment to fulfilling her duties and responsibilities diligently.
“Encouraged by the messages of support from partner-agencies, I accept the challenges ahead with confidence, wholeheartedly accepting my role in advancing agricultural practices in the locality,” she said.
Municipal agriculturist Corazon Baclig thanked ATI and partnerfor their unwavering support to the farmers in Gonzaga, affirming the commitment of their office to collaborate closely with Coco LSA to ensure the provision of continuous training and extension services to benefit coconut farmers in the area.
“With the establishment of Coco LSA, a beacon of knowledge and innovation emerges that is poised to elevate agricultural practices and transform livelihoods in Gonzaga and beyond,” ATI-RTC2 said.