Coconut farmers and processors in Davao Region will soon get boost through the science and technology (S&T) interventions from Department of Science and Technology Region XI (DOST XI).
In a meeting with farmers on April 28, DOST XI Regional Director Dr. Anthony C. Sales said DOST will be assisting the coconut industry stakeholders by providing appropriate technologies to level up their processed products for their livelihood and economic activities.
Sales added that DOST XI’s laboratories are open to analyze their products to ensure quality and food safety that meet the industry standard and requirement, as well as avoid product rejection.
He said the office will also be extending innovation support for farmers to put up their own processing facilities in their own farms.
DOST XI, in partnership and coordination with the Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA) and the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (Tesda), also targets to provide interventions that shall train and equip farmers and processors with knowledge and skills on proper handling, harvesting, and processing to improve the quality and productivity of their harvest.
The meeting, held in Tugbok, Davao City, was organized by Learning By Doing Technology Inc., headed by Engr. Reyman Zamora, and was graced by PCA XI OIC Regional Manager Juvy Alayon, Tesda Secretary Isidro S. Lapeña, Tesda XI Regional Director Engr. Lorenzo Macapili and other Tesda officials.