Twenty-five farmers in Casiguran, Aurora have gained new livelihood opportunities after completing a five-day training on producing coconut sugar and coco honey from coconut sap under the Coconut Farmers Scholarship Program (CFSP).

The training, facilitated by the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), supports the national government’s efforts to strengthen the coconut industry through value-added processing and enterprise development.

TESDA Aurora Provincial Director Nomer Pascual said the program aims to help farmers generate sustainable income by maximizing the province’s abundant coconut resources. He noted that coconut sugar commands a higher market value than traditional coconut products such as raw coconuts and copra, while also appealing to health-conscious consumers due to its low glycemic index.

Participants received hands-on instruction in sap collection, processing techniques, sanitation, product handling, quality control, and basic entrepreneurship to prepare them for small-scale business ventures.

Pascual said a second batch of the scholarship program is already underway, with more capability-building activities planned for coconut-producing communities across Aurora. Future trainings are expected to focus on product innovation, financial literacy, packaging, branding, and marketing to improve the competitiveness of local coconut-based enterprises.

He also emphasized the importance of stronger collaboration among local government units, cooperatives, agricultural agencies, and market stakeholders to support the promotion and long-term viability of locally produced coconut products.

The initiative aligns with the revised Coconut Farmers and Industry Development Plan 2024-2028, approved by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., which seeks to revitalize the coconut sector and increase farmers’ incomes through training, enterprise development, processing support, and farmer organization programs.