CDA Region II Conducts Farm Business School Training for Coconut Farmers Cooperatives

CAUAYAN CITY, ISABELA — The Cooperative Development Authority (CDA) Region II Extension Office successfully conducted the Farm Business School (FBS) Training for Coconut Farmers Cooperatives (CFCs) through two batches held at Hotel Andrea, Cauayan City, Isabela. The first batch was conducted on August 18–20, 2026, while the second batch was held on September 1–3, 2026, bringing together coconut farmers’ cooperatives from the provinces of Cagayan, Isabela, and Quirino.

The training was conducted as part of the continuing efforts of the CDA Region II Extension Office to strengthen the capacity of coconut farmers’ cooperatives in managing their farm enterprises and developing sustainable and profitable businesses. It provided participants with practical knowledge and skills in entrepreneurship, financial literacy, farm business planning, and record keeping.

During the opening of the training, Regional Director Atty. Jovilyn M. Gaffud-Marquez delivered an inspirational message to the participants, resource persons, and guests. She emphasized the importance of developing the entrepreneurial mindset of coconut farmers and strengthening cooperatives as viable business organizations. Her message encouraged the participants to view farming not only as a means of livelihood but also as an enterprise that requires sound planning, proper management, innovation, and commitment.

Meanwhile, Mr. Audie D. Costales, Senior Cooperative Development Specialist, formally acknowledged the participants and welcomed the resource persons and guests to the training. His acknowledgment highlighted the active participation and commitment of the coconut farmers’ cooperatives in enhancing their knowledge and capabilities for enterprise development.

The training covered various topics designed to guide participants in understanding and managing their farm businesses. Mr. Jei-ar M. Limos, DMO I of ATI-RTC 02, facilitated discussions on the Rationale of a Farm Business School and its Development, as well as Understanding Basic Concepts, which included Farming as a Business, The Farmer as an Entrepreneur, Farm Business Profitability, and the EntreFarm Game. He also facilitated the preparation and presentation of the participants’ farm business plans.
Another significant topic was Financial Literacy, particularly Entrepreneurial Mind-Setting and Values Formation, which was discussed by Mr. Arturo B. Tabbu, General Manager of Lighthouse Cooperative. The session focused on developing an entrepreneurial perspective and strengthening the values necessary for responsible and effective management of farm and cooperative enterprises.

Engr. Beverly S. Orpilla, MPS II of ATI-RTC 02, discussed Developing a Vision and Goal for the Farm, helping participants identify their desired direction and establish goals for their farm enterprises.

The participants also gained practical insights into Developing a Business Plan, including Choosing an Enterprise, Components of a Farm Business Plan, Preparing a Farm Business Plan Action, and Presentation of Business Plans. These sessions were facilitated by Ms. Emmylou R. Loresto of Will’y Integrated Farm and Mr. Jei-ar M. Limos of ATI-RTC 02.

To strengthen the participants’ appreciation of the importance of proper documentation and financial monitoring, Ms. Mayflor R. Macmac, Planning Officer II of ATI-RTC 02, discussed Keeping Records, covering the overview and practical application of farm business record keeping.

A key component of the training was the conduct of on-site market activities at the Cauayan Public Market and Santiago City Public Market. The participants were given an opportunity to observe actual market conditions, interact with market players, and gain firsthand knowledge of consumer preferences, product presentation, pricing, and marketing practices. The activity enabled the participants to connect the concepts discussed during the classroom sessions with the realities of operating a farm-based enterprise.

The market activity served as an important learning experience for the participants, particularly in understanding the importance of knowing the market before deciding what products to produce, how to price them, and where to sell them. It also encouraged the cooperatives to explore opportunities for improving their products and developing stronger market linkages.

The training concluded with re-entry planning, post-test, training evaluation, and a closing program, allowing the participants to reflect on their learning and identify actions that they can undertake upon returning to their respective cooperatives.

Through the Farm Business School Training, the CDA Region II Extension Office continues to support coconut farmers’ cooperatives in transitioning from traditional farming practices toward more business-oriented, market-driven, and sustainable farm enterprises. The knowledge, skills, and experiences gained during the training are expected to help participating cooperatives improve their business planning and decision-making, strengthen their farm enterprises, and contribute to the long-term development of their members and communities.

The training reinforces a simple but important message: when farmers learn to manage their farms as businesses, cooperatives become stronger, more competitive, and better equipped to create sustainable opportunities for coconut farming communities.