News & Updates

As part of its ongoing efforts to optimize Shared Service Facilities (SSF) the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) has officially transfered full ownership of the Makapuno Food Processing Shared Service facility to the National Coconut Research Center- Visayas on June 17, 2025. This transition empowers the Visayas State University through NCRC-V with greater operational control, while the DTI Leyte Provincial office will continue to provide monitoring. 

The Department of Trade and Industry's Shared Service Facility (SSF) program empowers Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) by enhancing their access to technology. Through this initiative, MSMEs can utilize shared machinery, equipment, and tools, while also gaining essential skills and knowledge, ultimately increasing their productivity and competetiveness.

As part of this initiative, the Makapuno Shared Service Facility (SSF), operated by the National Coconut Research Center- Visayas (NCRC-V), was initially established in 2015 with equipment valued at Php 548,000. This included a fabricated mechanical dryer, a large-capacity baking oven, and a stainless steel makapuno balls molder. In 2020, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) further upgraded the facility by providing additional equipment worth Php 822,645. The enhancement included a hard ice cream machine, softsoft served ice cream machine, upright chiller, continous band sealer with nitrogen flush conversion, dough mixer, convection oven, and an additional stainless steel makapuno balls molder.

The transfer of ownership was formalized through a cermonial program, which began with a ribbon-cutting ceremony at the Makapuno Shared Service Facility. The event was attended by key officials, including DTI Leyte Provincial Director Araceli D. Laraga; Senior Trade-Industry Development Specialist and SSF Regional Focal Person, Ms. Arlene Dacuycuy; and PCA SSF Regional Technical Committee member, Ms. Lourdes Grabador. Representing Visayas State University (VSU) were Dr. Santiago T. Peña Jr., Vice President for Research, Extension, and Innovation (on behalf of the University President); Dr. Daniel Lesly Tan, Department Head of Agricultural Biosystems Engineering; Dr. Romel Armecin, Director of the National Abaca Research Center; Dr. Denis Peque, Director of the Regional Climate Change Research and Development Center; Dr. Maria Juliet Ceniza, former Director of NCRC-V; faculty and staff of NCRC-V; other staff from DTI-Leyte and DTI Region 8; and staff from Negosyo Center-Baybay City.

The main program, held in the OVPREI Breakout Room 2, began with a welcoming message from DTI Director Laraga, followed by messages of support from Ms. Arlene Dacuycuy and Ms. Lourdes Grabador. After the Memorandum of Agreement signing, Dr. Peña delivered a message on behalf of VSU President Dr. Prose Ivy G. Yepes, expressing gratitude for the valuable partnership with DTI and the honor of acquiring full ownership of the Makapuno Shared Service Facility and its ancillary equipment. The event concluded with closing remarks from NCRC-V Director Dr. Marisel Leorna. 

On December 17, 2025, members of AGAK, an association of PWDs from Hilongos who offer massage services, were equipped to produce Virgin Coconut Oil (VCO) at a training and techno-demonstration hosted by the National Coconut Research Center-Visayas.

This training was conducted in recognition of Hilongos' abundant coconut resources and the potential for value-added products, aiming to equip AGAK-Hilongos members with the necessary skills and knowledge to transform locally sourced coconuts into VCO. In addition to creating a marketable product, this training will enable them to produce their own VCO, directly benefiting their massage therapy services with a consistent and accessible source of oil.

The training began with welcome remarks and an overview of the program from project leader Ms. Crislin Cruz. Following the introductions, Dr. Marisel Leorna, the head of the processing section, took over to discuss food safety and current Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMP). Dr. Leorna emphasized the importance of food safety, including the identification of food hazards, and covered key areas of cGMP, such as the processing area, surroundings, ingredients, process control, product control, cooking equipment and tools, employee hygiene, cleanliness, storage, and pest control. Dr. Leorna then proceeded to the second module, which focused on Virgin Coconut Oil (VCO) processing. She discussed the definition of VCO, the necessary equipment and alternative equipment that they already have or more accessible to them, the main ingredient (mature coconut), the fermentation process, filtration process and proper way bottling the product.

Following the theoretical introduction, the food processing staff took charge of the training, guiding participants through a hands-on demonstration of the VCO production process. Emphasizing the importance of hygiene and quality, the staff meticulously demonstrated the application of current Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMP) throughout the entire process. This included proper sanitation techniques for equipment and workspaces, and the use of appropriate filtration methods to ensure the purity and quality of the final VCO product. Participants actively engaged in the demonstration, observing firsthand the techniques and procedures involved in crafting high-quality VCO while adhering to industry best practices.

After the demonstration a closing message was rendered by Dr. Marisel Leorna. She extended her gratitude to the training facilitators and participants. Furthermore, he encouraged the participants to really start their VCO Processing even in the household level and integrate the important learnings they acquired in the training.

The National Coconut Research Center-Visayas (NCRC-V) held a training on production of good-quality coconut shell charcoal for members of the Hindang Persons with Disabilities Agricultural Cooperative (HIPEDAC) in Hindang, Leyte on November 14, 2024. This training, part of NCRC-V's extension project focused on empowering Persons with Disabilities (PWDs), aimed to equip HIPEDAC (Hindang Persons with Disabilities Agricultural Cooperative) members with valuable skills for sustainable livelihood opportunities.

The center acknowledges the existence of the HIPPEDAC organization in the nearby town of Hindang, which also incorporates coconut farming. In line with the NCRC-V’s mandate to promote and disseminate relevant coconut technologies they aimed at enhancing farm productivity and income while improving the well-being of the rural community—including those who are differently-abled people.

As a key component of this project, a charcoal pit was constructed at the HIPEDAC farm site. To maximize the utilization of this new resource and provide practical skills, NCRC-V conducted a training on producing high-quality coconut shell charcoal. Recognizing that HIPEDAC members already possessed traditional knowledge of charcoal production, this training aimed to introduce them to new and improved methods, boosting efficiency and the quality of their charcoal. By gaining expertise in these advanced techniques, HIPEDAC members can further enhance their economic self-sufficiency and contribute to the overall development of their community.

Ms. Crislyn Cruz-Cortez, the project leader, warmly welcomed the participants and expressed her appreciation for their dedication in attending the training. She provided an overview of the day's activities, emphasizing the importance of enhancing coconut shell charcoal production techniques.

Following Ms. Cruz-Cortez's opening remarks, Engr. Mencius Lesidan from NCRC-V's Engineering and Utilization of Non-products section, delivered an informative presentation. He highlighted the advantages of adopting advanced methods for producing good-quality coconut shell charcoal, comparing them to traditional practices. Engr. Lesidan then meticulously guided the participants through each step of the improved process, from selecting the appropriate raw materials to properly bagging the final product, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of the entire procedure.

Due to scheduling challenges and unfinished charcoal pit construction the hands-on demonstration was rescheduled. Despite this setback, the program concluded with closing remarks from Ms. Crislyn Cruz-Cortez, who assured the participants that the practical demonstration would be conducted as soon as the charcoal pit's construction was finalized. Ms. Crislyn emphasized the project's ongoing commitment to providing comprehensive training and practical experience. To commemorate activity, the photo opportunity followed, capturing the spirit of the day and anticipating the future hands-on learning experience. 

On September 17, 2024, the National Coconut Research Center-Visayas (NCRC-V), in partnership with the Ecological Farm and Resource Management Institute (Eco-FARMI), conducted a training program for the association of Persons with Disabilities from Hindang, Leyte, known as HIPEDAC (Hindang Persons with Disabilities Agricultural Cooperative). Focused on vermicast production, the training took place at the Eco-FARMI farm demonstration site in Baybay City, Eastern Visayas.

This initiative aimed to empower HIPEDAC members with the skills and knowledge to produce and utilize vermicast for their crops, providing a sustainable and cost-effective alternative to commercial fertilizers, and promoting organic farming practices within their community.

The training started with welcome remarks from Ms. Crislin Cruz-Cortez, setting a positive tone for the day. Following this, Mr. Reynante Macapanas, the resource speaker from Eco-FARMI, delivered an informative presentation on the intricacies of vermicomposting. He then emphasized the significance of vermicomposting, not only for environmental conservation but also for improving the livelihoods of farmers. Mr. Macapanas highlighted the environmental benefits, such as reducing landfill waste, enriching the soil with essential nutrients, and minimizing the need for chemical fertilizers. He detailed the step-by-step process, from preparing the vermicomposting bin to harvesting the finished product. Turning to the economic advantages for farmers, he discussed how vermicomposting can create a valuable source of income through the sale of vermicast, while also reducing expenses on fertilizers and pesticides. He concluded by encouraging the audience to explore vermicomposting as a sustainable and profitable practice.

After the discussion the participants were then led to the vermicomposting pit to demonstrate to them the actual process of producing vermicast. After the demonstration they were encouraged to do it themselves.

Following the hands-on vermicomposting demonstration, participants returned to the training hall for the closing program. Mr. Jerome Arribado, Director of Eco-FARMI, delivered a warm and encouraging closing message. He expressed his sincere gratitude for the opportunity to partner in this valuable project, emphasizing the institute's commitment to sustainable agricultural practices. Mr. Arribado commended the participants for their active engagement throughout the training and encouraged them to put their newly acquired knowledge and skills into practice. He stressed the importance of not just learning about vermicomposting, but actively implementing it in their own farms and communities. Mr. Arribado highlighted Eco-FARMI's commitment to helping them succeed and gave the participants the assurance that the institute would be ready to offer continuing support and direction when they started their vermicomposting activities.

Furthermore, he emphasized that Eco-FARMI's support extended beyond the training session and that they were committed to establishing a connection with the participants so they could successfully include vermicomposting into their farming operations.

The National Coconut Research Center-Visayas (NCRC-V) participated in the Department of Trade and Industry’s (DTI) Made in PH Week: Gawaing Otso Fair 2024, held from August 15-18. The fair celebrated the Made in the Philippines Product Week, a tradition established by former President Manuel L. Quezon in 1936. DTI noted that Made in PH Week is an excellent platform for promoting local products and boosting the regional economy.

NCRC-V took the opportunity to showcase its innovative coconut products, including Makapuno Biscotti, CocoKisses, Coco Sugar, Cocofresh, CocoAminos, Coco Vinegar, Virgin Coconut Oil (VCO), and Makapuno Strips. These products not only highlighted the versatility of coconut but also demonstrated the center’s commitment to sustainable and value-added coconut production.

On the same month, NCRC-V once again participated in a DTI-organized event, this time the Coconut Creations: A Coconut Taste and Crafts Showcase in Region 8, held on August 27-28. The event celebrated National Coconut Week in collaboration with the Philippine Coconut Authority, Department of Tourism, and Tingog Partylist. This event aimed to connect local MSMEs producing coconut-based products with potential buyers, distributors, and business partners.

The Coconut Creations event provided an excellent platform for NCRC-V to promote its products and contribute to the growth of the regional coconut industry.

Hiroshima University held their overseas educational tour for their undergraduate students in the Visayas State University on August 19-23 through the Department of Animal Science, College of Agriculture and Food Science (DAS-CAFS). The participating students were first- and second-year students in the field of Applied Biological Science (Applied Animal and Plant Science Program and Food Science Program) together with their professors, Dr. Lawrence M. Liao and Dr. Terudo Maeda.

The annual overseas educational tour is intended to enhance communication interaction in English with the local faculty, staff, and students, widen their knowledge and global perspective, and learn about contemporary environmental and ecological conservation, as well as the application of sustainability in agriculture.

Their visit to our research center is to gain knowledge on coconut and it’s processes after harvest, dehusking, and to also learn about varietal improvement through embryo culture technology.

The students were shortly introduced with the center’s research and development thrusts, the food products to which they were enthusiastic, as well as the utilization of the coconut non-food products. Shortly after, Mr. Jovannemar Anire introduced the Makapuno Embro Culture in the Makapuno Embryo Culture Laboratory.

After learning about the center's research and development thrusts, products, and technology, the students were served with the tasty Makapuno Biscotti, CocoKisses, and the refreshing Cocofresh. The students expressed their enthusiasm for the coconut-based snacks, with some of them noting that it was their first time trying baked coconut treats. While enjoying their snacks, the staff from the food processing laboratory demonstrated coconut dehusking using the center's manual dehusker and showed how to open a young coconut (buko) for its refreshing water. After the educational and tasty coconut experience, they were ready to head on to the next stop of their educational tour.

Food processing unit of the National Coconut Research Center- Visayas trains trainers from Eastern and Northern Samar in processing food products and by-products as part of “Training of Trainers on Production of Coconut Products and By-products” conducted by Agriculture Training Institute- Regional Training Center VII (ATI-RTC 8), held at ATI-RTC 8 and NCRC-V, VSU, Baybay City, Leyte on June 3-7, 2024. This training aimed to produce more resource persons who can effectively deliver and demonstrate topics on the production of coconut food products and by-products.

The said training is a part of the undertakings in implanting the Republic Act 11524, also known as the Coconut Farmers and Industry Trust Fund Act, the Coconut Farmers and Industry Development Plan (CFIDP), it is also in collaboration with the Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA) and the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI).

On the first day of the food production training Dr. Marisel Leorna head of NCRC-V’s food processing section, oriented the participants about the center and then discussed the Current Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMP), and production process of virgin coconut oil (VCO), coco burger patty, and coco water products. After the discussion followed the demonstration of the actual process the discussed food production. The following day, the participants were exposed to the proper collection of coco sap in the VSU experimental coconut field. Following the coconut sap collection is the discussion of the process of making food products out of coco sap. During their last day of the food production training, the participants conducted a return demonstration on production of the coconut food products and by-products as they are bound to be a resource persons in the future. After the return demonstration, Ms. Crislin Cortez head of NCRC-V’s socio-economics and extension section discussed the break-even cost computation and analysis.

Aside from the food production training, participants were also exposed to the center's facilities, technologies, and other food products that were not included in the training. KTomada

Agriculture Training Institute – Regional Training Center VIII (ATI-RTC 8) conducts Training on Coconut farm Business School (Farmer-level) from April to May 2024, in line with The Coconut Farmers and Industry Trust Fund (CFTITF) Act or the Republic Act 11524. The purpose of the training is to increase income and alleviate poverty and achieve social equity among coconut farmers.

 Participants from different municipalities visit the National Coconut Research Center-Visayas (NCRC-V) for their benchmarking activity as part of their training program. They visited the research center by batch and each batch were from a different municipality.

 The organizing committee of the training aims to expose the participants to the different facilities and technologies adopted by NCRC-V that model productivity and profitability.

 During their visit, the NCRC-V staff oriented the participants about the center’s research and development thrusts, products, technologies, and other services. Afterward, they visit the Makapuno Embryo Culture Laboratory, the nursery, and intercropping demo farm.  

The participants displayed interest the most in makapuno embryo cultured coconut variety and its yield and also looking forward to buying seedlings as soon as they become available. In the meantime, they purchased dwarf seedlings, as it is the only variety that is available at the moment. KTomada

On April 23, 2024, Bethel International School held an Outdoor Education in Visayas State University (VSU) for their grade 9 students.

The students explored VSU’s research facilities to gain knowledge specifically about rainforestation, makapuno embryo culture, abaca tissue culture, buffalo dairy, root crops, Philippine biodiversity and the natural history museum.

Bethel International School has had educational tours in the past for grade 7 students. However, grade 9 students have missed the field trip because of the Covid-19 pandemic. In line with this, their parents requested to let their children Outdoor Education as well.

The students were oriented about NCRC-V’s research and development thrusts, products, technologies and other services. They were also headed to the makapuno embryo culture laboratory to observe as Mr. Jovannemar Anire, head of the varietal improvement unit discussed about the makapuno coconut variety. KTomada

On March 2024, the National Coconut Research Center-Visayas (NCRC-V) Varietal Improvement unit conducted 3 batches of student training on makapuno embryo culture in NCRC-V Makapuno Embryo Culture Laboratory.

 During the training, the students acquired skills in creating crop varieties by integrating desirable traits and multiplying them to enhance both yield and pest resistance.

 The training had two days per batch. Training proper was divided into two parts, on the first part which took place on the first day, included culture media preparation and explant extraction. On the second day and second part, the students experienced explant sterilization and in vitro inoculation.

 At the end of the training, the students shared their experiences and positive feedback about the training. Ms. Mariel Andrea D. Safred a Bachelor of Science in Biotechnology student said "We get to know the whole process of makapuno embryo culture and it's not a very easy task. Step by step is very crucial, from embryo extraction to in vitro inoculation I have gained skills in plant tissue culture which is important for my degree".

Students also tried dehusking buko, which they enjoyed as a refreshment after completing the training.KTomada

On March 7-8, 2024, at the National Coconut Research Center Visayas, thirty-one (31) coconut farmers from Matag-ob and Hilongos Leyte attended the “Leyte Negosyo Center Skills and Productivity Training on Coco Sugar Processing”.

The Department of Trade and Industry Region 8 (DTI Region 8) in partnership with NCRC-V conducted the two-day training to address the challenges in the lack of technical skills to produce coco sugar considering its high demand.

Farmers who attended the training are registered in the Philippine Coconut Authority National Coconut Farmers Registry System (PCA NCFRS) and are also members of recognized farmer’s associations in their respective municipalities. The farmers received packaging materials that they could use for their first cycle of production.

The first part of the training was the coconut sap collection demonstration that took place in the VSU experimental coconut field. Participants were also allowed to collect the coconut sap themselves.

Following the coconut sap collection demo, the cooking procedure to produce coco sugar began. While the coconut sap was being processed, Dr. Marisel Leorna highlighted the benefits, production process, the PCA recommended coconut hybrids and cultivars for coconut sap sugar, and the Current Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMP). Afterward, Ms. Farah Viscara discussed the basic pricing and costing of coco sugar products.

The coconut farmers expressed gratitude to DTI and NCRC-V for the knowledge and skills they obtained from the training, as they are expected to produce coco sugar by the end of the year. KTomada

On February 14, 2024, selected staff of the National Coconut Research Center – Visayas spearheaded a targeted information campaign across Hindang, Bato, and Matalom in Leyte. This initiative aimed to amplify awareness and support for coconut production and processing within the region.

With more than 80 attendees from different associations, this information drive campaign aims to rejuvenate coconut production locally and nationally. The staff from NCRC-V showcased an array of free training sessions and services available to local associations. By highlighting these resources, the center aims to empower coconut farmers and processors, fostering growth and sustainability in the industry.

Based on recent data, the coconut produced in the Philippines has fluctuated lately. Dr. Lina, the farming systems unit head encouraged that despite the recent statistics, coconut farmers should not lose heart in cultivating the so-called “tree of life” because there’s a lot that could be explored in marketing coconut products. 

In addition, participants from Matalom, Leyte were interested in coconut food processing of makapuno pie, coconut oil, and coconut vinegar. One participation from Matalom, Leyte expressed that through this initiative, women’s association in their town would be able to earn money, “We’re very much thankful for this information drive because through this, experts would be able to guide us how to market our coconut food products.”
Engr. Lesidan, OIC unit head of engineering and non-food products unit highlighted a pressing concern shared by many participants. He noted that the current selling price for copra remains dishearteningly low due to its perceived lack of quality compared to copra from other countries. However, there is newfound hope at NCRC-V, where an innovative drying system has been developed. This system promises to transform locally produced copra into high-quality products, potentially revitalizing the market and providing a boost to farmers' incomes.

The last stop of the information was at Hindang, Leyte wherein an association is currently developing their own backyard farm supported by the LGU of Hindang, Leyte. San Vicente Farmers and Fisherfolks Association (SVFFA) is aiming to put up a jack fruit and coconut farming system in their land.

Lastly, the NCRC-V staff made a side trip for a site visit at the HIPEDAC Farm Site at Hindang, Leyte to check on the development of the planted coconut seedlings in its area. The farm caretakers were instructed to do a round weeding to ensure a high growth and yield performance. Shanette Joy Vivien C. Amador

NCRC-V hosted a hybrid seminar series on Sustainable Agricultural production, assessment, and Agri-food systems on April 5, 2023. Over 40 participants composed of VSU faculty, research staff, farmer beneficiaries, and students attended the seminar, some were present physically while others joined virtually. There were three resource persons during the event, the  former VSU president and now Baybay City councilor, Dr. Jose L. Bacusmo, the NCRC-V socio-economics and extension head, Ms. Crislin Cruz, and the Manager of the Institute for Higher Education in Tropical and Sub-tropical Agri-food Sciences of Agro Montpellier Institute in France, Dr. Christophe Lesueur.

Dr. Bacusmo delivered a lecture on the role of good governance in sustainable agricultural production. According to the City Councilor, the important characteristics of good local governance are: Relevance, Inclusiveness, Fairness, Efficiency, and Accountability. Dr. Bacusmo highlighted the necessity of open and constant communication between local government and farmers, as well as the local markets and entrepreneurs, in order to secure a steady flow of quality and affordable produce. ‘Inclusive’ and ‘participatory’ governance is of absolute importance, especially during this time of constantly fluctuating prices due to global market instability. With the City of Baybay being primarily a coconut-producing agricultural zone, Dr. Bacusmo said that a balance must be struck between economic profitability, social responsibility, and environmental stewardship. He added that Baybay City is opening up to supporting more ventures for coconut, beyond the unstable copra production which most farmers engage in, and explore food and non-food processing, depending on market demand.

Ms. Crislin Cruz on the other hand delivered an overview of the challenges in assessing agricultural sustainability. She initially had a quick background lecture on sustainable development concepts then highlighted the confronting issue in measuring the needs of the present without compromising the need of the future generation.. At the end her discussion she introduced the SAFA or Sustainability Assessment of Food and Agriculture Systems Guidelines develop by the FAO of the United Nations as one of the tools developed in assessing agricultural sustainability.

Lastly, Professor Lesueur who addressed the delegation via google meet, discussed Sustainability for Agriculture, approaches to assess impact, and changes toward sustainable agri-food systems. Although, there is no ‘one-size fits all’ approach for sustainability, and every component must be taken in stride, Professor Lesueur discussed the relevant models utilized in impact assessment, as well as the methods and practices utilized by France to encourage their farmers to move towards a more sustainable approach to agriculture.  According to Professor Lesueur, it was not an abrupt, top-down change, but rather a participatory approach that involved the creation of schools and other education systems that provided a good amount of technical assistance to farmers in order to equip them with the necessary strategies and showcase the latest scientific innovations that could steer their production towards a more sustainable approach. Responding to a question about the Philippines, and the country’s involvement in the Paris Climate Agreement, which could stifle production by limiting the amount of much-needed mechanization that the nation’s agricultural sector has to conduct in order to meet production demand, Professor Lesueur stated that while there is no easy and direct solution to that challenge, the pursuit of sustainable agriculture need not be abandoned either. The nation may begin with increasing localization of inputs and markets, which would eliminate many of the added post-harvest costs such as long periods of refrigeration and transportation. Currently, the Philippines is dependent on imports of more than 90% or its fertilizer consumption, this too could be remedied by the establishment of local fertilizer production in each region.

The seminar series was organized to re-echo relevant concepts learned from the International training attended by Ms. Cruz on Sustainability Assessment in Agricultural Production conducted in Krabi Province, Thailand organized by Kasetsart University (KU), and L' Institut Agro of Montpellier in France.  Her participation was shouldered by the Southeast Asian Regional Center for Graduate Study and Research in Agriculture (SEARCA) as part of the its CHED funded project entitled “Leveling-Up Philippine Higher Education Institutions in Agriculture, Fisheries, and Natural Resources” (LevelUPHEI AFAR) which aims to upgrade the institutional capacities of the State Universities and Colleges – Association of Colleges of Agriculture in the Philippines, Inc. (SUC-ACAP, Inc.) and its members through Short-term Training Programs and Cross-visits, and participation in University Consortium activities.

NCRC-V aims to hold more of these hybrid-style seminars in the future with local and international specialists. This is in line with the mandate of the Visayas State University to develop world-class manpower, by enlisting the help of world-class specialists, and bridging the physical and financial gaps through the effective employment of multimedia and digital communication technology. CBCruz & PDALina 

NCRC-V trained 20 members of the Association of Farmers and Advocates of Organic Farming (AFAOFI) in buko pie production on November 23, 2022, at the NCRC-V Food Processing Laboratory. 

AFAOFI is an organization of farmers from Sogod, Southern Leyte, who are engaged in diversified organic farming. Looking to expand their horizons, they sought the help of NCRC-V for training in buko pie production and coconut food processing.

Dr. Marisel Leorna, Ms. Farah Viscara, and Ms. Andrea Silva of the NCRC-V food processing section trained the participants not only in buko pie processing, but also in the current good manufacturing practices (cGMP) and product price calculation and basic business accounting. NCRC-V aims for a holistic approach in its extension activities. Good manufacturing practices are essential to ensure that food produced is safe and free of contaminants, this ensures confidence in consumers. Price calculation and accounting are also essential for any business endeavor. Judicious decision-making for profit margins and close examination of fluctuating input prices must be taken into account in order to ensure that the business remains profitable. 

The first part of the seminar was the lecture, with cGMP, production methods, and price computation. The second part was a practical demonstration and hands-on training. 

NCRC-V offers trainings and seminars to organizations and cooperatives who look to explore new techniques and venture into diversified coconut industry operations. AFAOFI is only one of the organizations that NCRC-V has supported, along with the These Abled Persons Tierra Esperanza Farmers Association from Santa Fe Leyte, and the Hindang Persons With Disabilities Association from Hindang Leyte. 

Ms. Crislin Cruz, head of NCRC-V’s extension section, presented ‘Project E-2020’ on October 24, 2022 at the VSU RDE Hall for the 2022 Level II In-house Review.

Project E 2020 is a webpage extension project that aims to innovatively utilize the social media to minimize the gaps caused by the COVID-19 pandemic in the center’s extension services. Lockdowns and heavy restrictions for activities have hampered the conduct of the center’s regular work during the last 2 years. Project E 2020 aimed to bridge these gaps by utilizing digital outlets to allow the continued delivery of extension services.

Traditionally, NCRC-V clientele comprised mostly of older farmers directly engaged in coconut farming. Consultations and trainings were done face to face, with either the farmers themselves meeting with NCRC-V personnel at VSU, or with NCRC-V staff conducting visitations and on-site trainings. Because of the almost total stoppage of these activities brought about by “stringent health protocols”, social media became the next best avenue for continued service delivery. With social media, the scope of beneficiaries increased to other sectors as well, including the youth, housewives, and technology adopters from different parts of the country, as people converged into platforms like Facebook for the majority of their social interactions during the past 2 years.

Since its implementation on July 2020, the project was able to reach its targets of establishing an online platform for information dissemination and provide virtual technical assistance. It also helped popularize the center’s recommended seedlings, hybrids, pest management practices, and coconut-based food products  to the consumers and potential technology adaptors.

With a meager 20,000-peso budget in 2020, 24,000 in 2021, and 40,000 for 2022, this project became a cost-effective channel for promotion and knowledge diffusion.

The in-house review level 2 for extension services is a component of the VSU quality assurance mechanism that aims to ensure adherence of projects to the university core values of relevance, integrity, truth, and excellence. Project E-2020 was subjected to the scrutiny of accomplished academic researchers like Dr. Manuel Palomar, Dr. Antonio Abamo, and Dr. Fatima Balina, who comprised the panel of judges for the 2-day university-wide extension project review.

NCRC-V has been at the forefront of developing technologies and management strategies for coconut farming for almost 50 years. This initial drive to bring these products and services online is a response to the increasing social media usage uptick in the country, with Filipinos reportedly spending almost 10 hours per day on social media. Should it receive the necessary points, the project will qualify to regional level. But even if it does not, the digital extension service will remain a mainstay in this new information ecosystem, as NCRC-V looks to innovate and increase its reach not only in the region, but throughout the country as a whole. PDALina

Thirty participants (30) from Hindang and Palompon Leyte attended the ‘SKILLS TRAINING ON VALUE ADDED COCONUT PRODUCTS: VIRGIN COCONUT OIL PROCESSING’ on September 26-27 at the National Coconut Research Center-Visayas.

The two-day training was a collaborative effort of DTI Region 8 and NCRC-V in the ongoing effort to empower Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in the region. Training participants were selected representatives of people’s organizations from Hindang and Palompon Leyte. Part of the participant's goal is to re-echo and share the skills when they return home, a move that is expected to greatly expand the impact of the training conducted.

One of the participating organizations, the Anahaw Lowland and Upland Farmers Association (ALUFA), , was chosen by DTI as a recipient of VCO processing equipment. The association received the hydraulic press, funnel, filter paper, rubber hose, and plastic bottles. This equipment will allow them to start manufacturing and distributing the product coupled with the application of learnings from the training.

The training began with a discussion on Current Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMP) by NCRC-V director Dr. Marisel Leorna. She highlighted the importance of cleanliness in the workplace and adherence to hygiene standards to ensure the safety of the consumers and safeguard the reputation of the producers and the product name. 

VCO’s market potential, especially at this time when people are moving towards health-conscious food choices, is something that can increase profit for coconut farmers, especially with the fluctuation of copra prices. The two-day training featured not only an actual trial production run but also a discussion on product costing and packaging.

The participants thanked DTI and NCRC-V for the opportunity and promised that what they learned would be shared with their respective organizations when they returned home. The training was concluded with an educational tour of VSU’s other extension facilities. PDALina

Twelve members of the 'These Abled Persons Tierra Esperanza Farmers Association' (TAPTEFA) participated in the Skills training on Virgin Coconut Oil Production on September 15, 2022 at the National Coconut Research Center Visayas.

TAPTEFA is an organization for persons with disabilities that was established in 2017, with members consisting of the Banco De Oro (BDO) housing project beneficiaries in Santa Fe Leyte. Along with the BDO foundation, they are recognized and supported by the Provincial Government of Leyte, and the Life-Giving Forest Association of Germany.

Last June, the NCRC-V team went to Santa Fe, Leyte, to deliver a training on coconut production. This increased interest among TAPTEFA members in coconut production and processing, especially after receiving 50 seedlings of the Albuera and Buenavista dwarf coconut varieties. On September 15, 12 TAPTEFA members traveled to the Visayas State University, to attend a training on Virgin Coconut Oil production at NCRC-V.

Dr. Antonio P. Abamo, VSU’s director for extension, affirmed VSU’s commitment to pursuing inclusive development in the region, as he welcomed the participants and expressed his gratitude for their willingness to travel all the way from Santa Fe, Leyte, to participate in VSU’s extension activities despite some physical difficulties.

The training started with a lecture on Current Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMP) by Dr. Marisel A. Leorna, NCRC-V Center Director. Dr. Leorna elaborated the importance of good manufacturing practices, not only for the protection of consumer health, but also for the reputation of the producer and the product. The cleanliness of the working environment was also emphasized. In order to ensure that no contaminants are inadvertently introduced into the product, basic hygiene and sanitation standards must be followed by all of the producers.

After the lecture, the participants were given a hands-on training on VCO production by NCRC-V food processing staff Ms. Farah Viscara and Ms. Andrea Silva. This was conducted in the newly launched NCRC-V / DTI shared service facility.

The activity was concluded with a tour of VSU extension project demonstration sites, including the NCRC-V demo farm, and the EcoFARMI vermicomposting project. PDALina

On September 2, 2022, the Department of Trade and Industry Region 8 and VSU, through the National Coconut Research Center – Visayas launched a shared service facility with more than 800,000 pesos worth of ancillary equipment. The establishment of this facility is aimed at providing Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) with an avenue to increase their output of coconut and makapuno-based food products, and increase the quality and marketability of their goods. In attendance were the directors and vice presidents of the VSU main campus, Hon. Mark Michael Unlu-cay, the LGU counterpart who represented Hon. Carl Nicolas Cari, Engr. Araceli Larraga, Provincial Director of DTI8, Engr. Celerina Bato, DTI8 regional director, and representatives of the Regional technical working groups, Mr. Dany Ramos and Mr. Sylvan Suyom.   

In her message of support, Engr. Bato, DTI-8 regional director commended NCRC-V for already putting the equipment to good use. Despite being beset by heavy pandemic restrictions, NCRC-V was able to produce and market limited quantities of coconut and makapuno-based food products, including biscotti, pie, cocokisses, and ice cream using the equipment provided by DTI. These products have already been featured at various trade fairs and sold at the local level. Engr. Bato hoped for an increase in production and a growth in the collaboration with local MSMEs, and remarked that according to her own personal evaluation, VSU was already fit for a transfer of ownership of the equipment. The current arrangement is still under a usufructuary agreement, but Engr. Bato revealed that once a review is completed, she had no doubts that VSU would already qualify for ownership. 

Hon. Mark Michael Unlu-cay represented Hon. Carl Nicolas Cari, the congressman of the 5th district of Leyte, who regrettably could not make it to the program due to the hectic demands of his new post as vice-chairman for appropriations. Hon. Unlu-cay, an alumnus of the VSU Development Communication program, flew from Manila on short notice to deliver a message of support, and assure that the LGU remains a willing collaborator in the endeavors of DTI and VSU to increase food production in the countryside by providing more opportunities and facilities for MSMEs. He revealed that Baybay City Mayor Jose Carlos Cari has been heavily scrutinizing the ways by which food production in the City can be increased, even allotting 30% of the city’s Internal Revenue Allotment (IRA) for agriculture – a move to prepare the city for potential food shortages brought about by the current global financial and supply-chain crisis. 

Dr. Edgardo Tulin, VSU president, was represented by the Vice President for Research, Extension, and Innovation, Dr. Maria Juliet C. Ceniza, in the signing of the Memorandum of Agreement between DTI and VSU. This was witnessed by Dr. Beatriz Belonias, vice-president for academic affairs, Engr. Araceli Larraga, DTI8 provincial director, Hon. Mark Michael Unlu-cay, and Dr. Marisel Leorna of NCRC-V. 

Members of the Regional Technical Working Groups from the Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA) and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) were also present. Mr. Dany Ramos, and Mr. Sylvan Suyom delivered their messages of support for the establishment of the shared service facility, and remarked that their agencies were ready deliver assistance to NCRC-V in this endeavor of pursuing countryside development through increasing coconut and makapuno-based food production, however they could. PDALina

As part of VSU’s drive to be inclusive in providing technical training for everyone, the National Coconut Research Center (NCRC) in the Visayas partnered with These Abled Persons Tierra Esperanza Farmers Association’ (TAPTEFA) for a coconut production training in Santa Fe, Leyte.

Held on June 8 this year, a total of 16 farmers participated in this training that focused on cultural management practices that hopes to improve overall productivity of the local coconut industry.

TAPTEFA was organized in 2017 for persons with disabilities who reside in the BDO housing projects in Santa Fe Leyte. The organization conducts livelihood programs in a cooperative-style scheme and is currently engaged in poultry layer operations and organic agriculture. 

The provincial government of Leyte donated a 1-hectare lot by the national highway in Santa Fe for its operations, as well as financial and material support for the establishment of its entrepreneurial facilities. 

Aside from the provincial government, the organization is also supported by the BDO Foundation, and the Life-Giving Forest Association of Germany—a group of young environmentalists that support the establishment of nurseries, native tree plantations, fruit tree orchards, and ornamental plant production all over the Philippines. 

Among the topics covered during the training were the environmental requirements for raising coconut, selection of appropriate planting materials, land preparation, field management, and pest management. 

Dr. Mario Baliad, Mr. Jeremias Vestra, and Ms. Edralin Malasaga of NCRC-V delivered concise and practical discussions while also taking questions from the participants, in the short, but insightful lecture series. 

A practical demonstration on planting and field-layouting followed, as the participants were shown how to properly apply the different planting methods covered. Special emphasis was put on the possibility of using organic or natural methods for coconut production and plantation management, particularly, on the possibility of substituting inorganic fertilizer, which is currently in global short supply, with organic inputs that can be produced by the farmers themselves. 

An emphasis on the use of natural enemies for insect pests was also brought up. Early detection, as explained by Ms. Malasaga, was key to ensuring that the coconut plantations are not thoroughly consumed by infestations. Timely action can prevent the large-scale loss of crops that occurred with the previous ‘cocolisap’ incident, and is necessary in order to avoid the environmentally and financially taxing pesticide application. 

The participants received 50 coconut seedlings of the Buenavista and Albuera dwarf varieties. These varieties have been extensively studied and cultivated by NCRC. These are similar coconut varieties that are well adapted to the environmental conditions of Leyte. 

The Albuera dwarf in particular, is a native dwarf coconut cultivar from Leyte with a medium-sized stem. It produces as much as 132 medium-sized oblong nuts a year, and yields an average of about 136.6 grams of copra, according to studies conducted by Nuñez, Malasaga, and Baliad in 2005 and 2007.

Ms. Marta Villafañe, TAFTEFA’s chief organizer, thanked the NCRC delegation for the successful full day training, and inquired of the possibility for a follow-up training with a longer time frame in order to explore the nuances of coconut farming even further.  

While this has been the first actual on-site activity, TAPTEFA has already been coordinating with VSU. 

In the past, there were already talks of conducting agroforestry training through the university’s College of Forestry and Environmental Sciences (CFES). Ms. Villafañe also inquired of potential assistance in the area of geodetic engineering for a field survey to determine the appropriate boundaries of the organization’s area of operations.

This training and many others are in line with the thrust of NCRC-V, and VSU as a whole, to continue empowering local communities for countryside development by ensuring that technologies formulated in the laboratories are successfully introduced and integrated into actual practice through extension work. 

(This article was first published at vsu.edu.ph, the official website of the Visayas State University)

/https://www.vsu.edu.ph/articles/news/2199-ncrc-conducts-coconut-production-training-with-pwd-organization-in-santa-fe-leyte

Ms. Crislin B. Cruz (second from left), head of the NCRC-V socioeconomics section, participated in the training on Sustainability Assessment in Agricultural Production and Food Processing at Krabi, Thailand last May 15-25, 2022.

She and other SEARCA grantee-participants from the Philippines, together with other international participants engaged in 10 days of active learning activities, utilizing their data collection skills to explore sustainable practices in agricultural production and processing in the area. They examined the famous oil palm plantations in Southern Thailand. Palm oil is a key ingredient in many commercial food products and is in constant high demand. Aside from various lectures regarding the industry, the participants also visited the Asian Palm Oil Company’s processing plant, and conducted a stakeholder’s meeting with palm oil farmers from the Ao Luek Cooperative and Asian Palm Oil Company.

The training was organized by Kasetsart University (KU) in Thailand, and L' Institut Agro of Montpellier in France. Among the training lecturers were Dr. Didier Pillot, Chief Officer for International Networks at Agreenium, Dr. Isriya Bunyasiri  of Dept. of Agricultural & Resource Economics in KU,  Professor Alain Rival Resident Director for SouthEast Asia Island Countries and the Coordinator for Oil Palm Research at Cirad, and Dr. Christophe Lesuer Manager Institute for Higher Education in Tropical and Sub-Tropical Agri-Food Sciences The Agro Montpellier Institute.

Ms. Cruz's participation was shouldered by SEARCA as part of the its CHED funded project entitled “Leveling-Up Philippine Higher Education Institutions in Agriculture, Fisheries, and Natural Resources” (LevelUPHEI AFAR). This project aims to improve the institutional capacities of the State Universities and Colleges – Association of Colleges of Agriculture in the Philippines, Inc. (SUC-ACAP, Inc.) and its members through Short-term training programs, cross-visits, and participation in University Consortium activities. JALagitao