Visitors to the Access Agriculture booth at the first Coconut Expo in Cagayan de Oro, Philippines, were delighted to watch farmer training videos that are available in Filipino languages – Tagalog, Bisaya, and Hiligaynon. The Expo focused on the economic importance of the coconut industry, which is a vital source of livelihood in the Philippines.
The Techno Gabay Program sa Coconut and Masaganang Cocobuhayan Expo 2024 was organised under the theme "Coco connect: Collaboration, Innovation, and Sustainability Towards a Vibrant Coconut Industry" by the Agricultural Training Institute-Northern Mindanao, from 30 August to 1 September 2024.
Access Agriculture’s booth set up by Philippines Coordinator, Danessa Lopega, drew numerous farmers, exhibitors, extensionists and the general public, who were interested in learning about the organisation. Presenting Access Agriculture’s work, Danessa emphasized the significance of the farmer training videos for reaching out to smallholder farmers. “The videos are easy to understand and full of practical information even though they are short,” she explained.
She urged the members of her audience, especially farmers who were keen to set up integrated farms, to check out the Access Agriculture library as the website covers a wide range of topics, including land management, livestock, and crops. During the expo, many visitors sought her assistance in signing up for the Access Agriculture video platform.
Danessa was accompanied by Access Agriculture’s local video partner team members from the First Community Cooperative (FICCO) Community Outreach Foundation – Josini Pacamalan, Jessa Cahulogan and Rachel Polestico – who have been involved in the production of video ‘Tapping coconut sap to make juice.’
