Coco twine production training benefits SLP association

Posted on December 20, 2020

WORKSHOP. During the training, the participants were not only taught about theories, but they were also given the opportunity to do a hands-on activity to ensure that they get to learn and understand more from the training.

The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Field Office Caraga, in collaboration with the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) – Region XIII, has conducted a technical training on coco twine production for the members of the Abtik ug Makugihong SLP Association at Barangay Tinago, Malimono, Surigao del Norte, through the Sustainable Livelihood Program (SLP).

DSWD-SLP initiated this activity to further the skills and capacity of the program participants in coco twine production, especially that these organizations already have a wide variety of coco twine products such as hanging pots, plant pots and poles, coco husks, and other coco twine-materials products.

DAR Agrarian Reform Program Officer Mariecho Montilla, Project Coordinator Engr. Gilbert Dahug of Project Converge, and SLP Provincial Coordinator for Surigao del Norte Jhunrey Betonio served as the resource persons of the said training.

During the activity, the participants were coached on the importance of generating high-quality products and proper and the standard making of coco ropes – which serves as the base of all coco coir products.

After the training, SLPA President Miraflor Caturan manifested her gratitude to the DSWD-SLP and DAR for helping them widen their knowledge and hone their skills.

*A member of the Abtik ug Makugihong SLP Association intently works on a coco rope during the workshop.*

In her message, she said, “Pasalamat ako ug kaming mga miyembro sa asosasyon nga nahatagan ug higayon sama niini alang sa paglambo sa among kaalam ug unsaon pag-improve ang among produkto (The association members and I are thankful that we were given opportunities such as this to help us grow and improve our products).”

With easy access and high produce of coco fiber in the municipality of Malimono, the members of the Abtik ug Makugihong SLPA saw this as a potential livelihood or source of their income. With more people into gardens and plants, they thought that it was a great idea to create plant pots and poles using this material. In this way, they do not even have to spend a lot just to acquire raw materials.

Aside from DSWD-SLP and other national agencies, the Provincial Local Government Unit of Surigao del Norte also constantly extends support to these associations through the extension of technical assistance.