The Iranun Development Council (IDC) conducted a 2-day foundational training on the Coconut Industry Landscape and Market Opportunities from November 11–12 in Davao City, gathering local coconut farmers, officers and members of coconut-based cooperatives, women entrepreneurs, and local government personnel from the four IDC member municipalities of Barira, Buldon, Matanog, and Parang.

With valuable insights shared by Engr. Rasul A. Piang, Agriculturist II, and Lester Jake C. Dela Serna, Acting Project Development Officer IV, both from the Philippine Coconut Authority Region XIV–BARMM, participants gained a deeper understanding of the coconut industry, its challenges, and emerging enterprise opportunities. They shared valuable data, insights, and sector updates that helped participants map community challenges and develop localized coconut profiles.

This activity is part of the IDC’s efforts to build readiness for future value-adding ventures, including the proposed medium-scale coconut cooking oil refinery initiative, and to promote sustainable agricultural development in the Iranun municipalities.

This training was organized by Institute for Autonomy and Governance and supported by the AECID Philippines.