THE VISAYAS State University’s National Coconut Research Center trained a group dedicated for persons with disabilities in coconut production method to improve the coconut industry in Visayas.

VSU trained 16 farmer members of the These Abled Persons Tierra Esperanza Farmers Association or TAPTEFA which is an organization established in 2017 to help PWDs who reside in Santa Fe, Leyte.

TAPTEFA conducts livelihood programs for PWDs in a cooperative-style scheme in the field of poultry and organic culture.

The university trained the group in selecting appropriate planting materials, land preparation, field management and pest management.

VSU also showed them how to handle specifically the Buenavista and Albuera dwarves coconut cultivars that have adapted to the environmental conditions of Leyte.

After the training, the trainees were also given seedlings of the dwarf coconuts.