Coconut Farmworkers Adopt Good Agricultural Practices

In an effort to boost agricultural productivity and improve the livelihoods of local coconut farmworkers, the International Labour Organization (ILO) is equipping these workers with the knowledge and skills necessary to enhance their farming methods. Through a cash-for-work initiative, the ILO is providing training on Good Agricultural Practices (GAP), which will enable farmworkers to adopt more sustainable and effective techniques in coconut planting and cultivation.

Coconut farmers for the cash-for-work activity

This initiative not only aims to improve the quality and yield of coconut production but also ensures that farmworkers receive immediate financial support through the cash-for-work programme implemented by the ILO's Rebuilding better coconut economy project in partnership with the Government of Japan. By integrating capacity building with economic support, the ILO is fostering both short-term relief and long-term development in Siargao's coconut farming communities.

With the support of the Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA), taking significant steps to boost the coconut farming sector in Siargao. As part of a comprehensive capacity-building initiative, high-yielding and improved coconut varieties that will be planted in selected beneficiary farms located in San Isidro, Pilar, and Del Carmen. These new varieties, known for their sweeter taste, are particularly suited for green coconut consumption-a key element in supporting Siargao's shift towards a tourism-driven economy.

coconut farmers at work for the clearing of farms

The theoretical part of the training was held at the Tropical Academy in San Isidro and the practical and hands-on training was done on the field of a partner coconut farmer. The farm owner will later continue the lay-outing, staking, holing and planting, building on the work done during the training. The owner has cleared the field of the debris from the typhoon, enabling faster movement of workers and flow of materials.

Engr Nervine Docdoc of PCA with the theoretical training of coconut planting

The training team was composed of partner government agencies led by five PCA agriculturists assigned to the different municipalities in the island of Siargao and supported by three personnel from the municipal agriculture office of Del Carmen and Pilar.

coconut farmers of the cash for work programme in Siargao — Coconut farmers of the cash-for-work activity

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