By: Nora V. Acueza, Agriculturist II Pakil / Pangil

Twenty-six Dumagats from 10 upland barangays in Tanay, Rizal completed the eight-session course of Philippine Coconut Authority’s KAANIB Farm Business School (KFBS) on September 13, 2019.

The class is composed of 23 females and 3 males who are members of the Tanay Dumagat Remontado Ancestral Domain Development Inc. – a group of Indigenous People (IP) in Tanay, Rizal.

Launched on August 15, 2019, it was the first KFBS in the province of Rizal. After eight sessions with 25 topics, the course culminated with a graduation ceremony held right after the last session on September 13.

The ceremony which marked the project’s success was attended  by  PCA officers including OIC-Regional Manager Atty. Andrew Ian P. Edrada, Ronaldo H. Rosales (Provincial Coconut Development Manager) and Alvin C. Ardeza (Senior Agriculturist), along with Municipal Agriculturist Romeo Cruz and Indigenous People Mandatory Representative Virginia Neo.

The guests delivered inspirational messages similarly citing the importance of participating trainings wherein farmers are being equipped with proper skills that would empower them in managing their farm businesses. They have also emphasized the significance of linkage and close coordination among relevant agencies, both public and private.

During the event, the Dumagats showcased their traditional dance through an intermission number. Distribution of certificates to all graduates and awarding of special awards were also conducted in recognition of outstanding participants.

Before the ceremony ended, select graduates gave their testimonials about KFBS and committed that they  will  use the knowledge they gained from the course for real-life application in establishing a sustainable and profitable farm business.

Paul Henry Repato – PCA Agriculturist of Tanay, in his closing remarks, expressed his gratitude towards the LGU on their support to the project particularly the provision of venue for their weekly classes and customized- print t-shirts for the farmer-graduates. He also acknowledged the 80th Infantry Battalion Army who extended their support through lending of service vehicles.

He challenged the graduates to become successful agripreneurs by applying the knowledge they gained in managing their own business which they will in fact soon to have as they are programmed to be one of the recipients of coco water vinegar processing facility under the KAANIB Enterprise Development Project.