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The University of Southern Mindanao (USM) welcomed farmer-leaders from the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) for an educational field tour at the university’s Cacao and Coffee Demonstration Site on November 21, 2025. The visit formed part of the Farmer-Level Training on Cacao and Coffee Nursery Establishment and Management organized by the Agricultural Training Institute Regional Training Center XII (ATI-RTC XII).
The activity supports the Coconut Farmers Industry Development Program (CFIDP), which is being implemented through the Coconut Farmers and Industry Trust Fund Act or Republic Act 11524. The program seeks to uplift the coconut farming sector by improving farm productivity, strengthening value-adding initiatives, and providing comprehensive support to smallholder farmers. The training conducted by ATI-RTC XII helps farmer-leaders gain hands-on knowledge that will enable them to establish and manage cacao and coffee nurseries as viable livelihood opportunities.
A total of 30 farmer-leaders from Matanog, Barira, Parang, and other municipalities within the Special Geographic Area of BARMM in Maguindanao participated in the activity.
During the event, the participants had the opportunity to visit the Smart Cacao Budwood and Greenhouse facilities of Dr. Edward A. Barlaan to observe USM’s nursery operations and cacao management practices. The exposure aimed to deepen their understanding of nursery establishment and broaden their knowledge of techniques for cacao production. They also visited USM’s coffee plantation to further enrich their knowledge of crop production and good agricultural practices.
Through this field visit, USM continues to support agricultural development in the region by opening its learning sites to farmers striving to improve their skills, productivity, and leadership in community-based agriculture.
