The study was descriptive qualitative (case study) in design, and data was gathered using Key Informant Interviews (KII) and Focus Group Discussions (FGD). It was conducted in the Province of Davao del Norte with seven KII participants and three participants subjected to FGD using the researcher-made instrument validated by experts. This study was conducted to determine the practices in utilizing and maintaining postharvest facilities (PHFs) in the Province of Davao del Norte. Also, this study wanted to resolve the challenges in the utilization and maintenance of PHFs in Davao del Norte. Consequently, this study determined the coping mechanisms to address the identified challenges and difficulties. Findings of the study revealed five (5) practices in the utilization and maintenance of PHFs. PHF Knowledge and Experience, Formulation of Organizations Policies, Systems, and Procedures (PSPs), Proper Implementation of Organizations PSPs, Appropriate PHF Utilization and Maintenance, and Regular Monitoring Activities. The studys findings also revealed that the three unavoidable challenges documented in the utilization and maintenance of PHFs are the PHFs Related Predicaments, Organization & Membership Challenges, and PHFs Actual Operations. Finally, to address the mentioned challenges and difficulties, coping strategies were also made known in this study. This includes but is not limited to organizational coping strategies and operators and PHF operation coping mechanisms. Future research is recommended to validate its results further.

Postharvest facilities; Utilization; Maintenance; Practices; Challenges; Coping Strategies; Davao del Norte; Philippines