San Agustin, Surigao del Sur — May 21, 2025 — In a major boost to local agricultural development, 89 members from 28 coconut farmers’ cooperatives across Surigao del Sur gathered for a three-day Capability Building Training held from May 19 to 21, 2025, at Arena Blanca, San Agustin. The training was funded under the Coconut Farmers and Industry Development Plan (CFIDP), a national initiative aimed at improving the livelihoods of coconut farmers throughout the Philippines.

The event focused on two key areas: Entrepreneurial and Business Development and a Re-orientation on Cooperative Values and Principles. Designed to build both practical skills and cooperative awareness, the sessions aimed to strengthen the capacity of coconut cooperatives to adapt and compete in an increasingly challenging agricultural environment.

Participants engaged in a combination of lectures, interactive discussions, and workshops aimed at enhancing their business acumen and understanding of sustainable farming practices. The program also reinforced the importance of cooperative values in achieving long-term growth and resilience.

“The training helped refresh our understanding of what it means to be in a cooperative and taught us new ways to improve our businesses,” said one participant. Many echoed similar sentiments, expressing optimism about applying the knowledge they gained to benefit their respective cooperatives.

Organizers emphasized that the training was part of a broader strategy to promote inclusive growth and empower rural communities. By equipping coconut farmers with the tools and knowledge to run more efficient and sustainable cooperatives, the initiative aims to ensure long-term economic impact at the grassroots level.

As the training concluded, participants left with renewed motivation and a stronger sense of solidarity, ready to implement new strategies in their cooperatives. The event was widely seen as a promising step forward in advancing the coconut farming sector in Surigao del Sur—one cooperative at a time.