SIARGAO, Philippines (ILO News) – To increase agricultural productivity and improve the living conditions of local coconut farmers, the International Labour Organization (ILO) is providing these workers with the knowledge and skills they need to improve their farming practices. As part of a cash-for-work initiative, the ILO is providing training in Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) that will enable farm workers to adopt more sustainable and effective techniques for growing and cultivating coconuts.
© Athena Banza / ILO
This initiative not only aims to improve the quality and yield of coconut production, but also ensures that farm workers 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 combining capacity building and economic support, the ILO promotes both short-term assistance and long-term development in the coconut-growing communities of Siargao.
With the support of the Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA), major steps are being taken to boost coconut cultivation in Siargao. As part of a comprehensive capacity building initiative, high-yielding and improved coconut varieties are being cultivated on selected beneficiary farms in San Isidro, Pilar and Del Carmen. These new varieties, known for their sweeter taste, are particularly suitable for green coconut consumption – a key element in supporting Siargao’s transition to a tourism-led economy.
© Athena Banza / ILO
The theoretical part of the training took place at the Tropical Academy in San Isidro, while the practical and hands-on training was carried out in a coconut farmer’s field. The farm owner will later proceed with the planting, staking, drilling and planting based on the work done during the training. The owner has cleared the field of the typhoon debris, allowing workers to move faster and the flow of materials to be faster.
© Athena Banza / ILO
The training team consisted of representatives from partner government agencies, led by five PCA farmers from the different municipalities of Siargao Island and assisted by three staff members from the Municipal Agriculture Office of Del Carmen and Pilar.
© Athena Banza / ILO
