Despite of the challenges experienced in the conduct of School on-the-Air on Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund- Rice Extension Services Program (RCEF-RESP), the Agricultural Training Institute- Regional Training Center 1 (ATI-RTC 1) successfully conducted the Ceremonial Graduation at SBM Mariquita Ortega's Resthouse Brgy. Ili Sur, San Juan, La Union on September 29, 2021. A total of 557 enrollees from the nine participating municipalities of La Union namely: Agoo, Aringay, Bauang, Bacnotan, San Juan, Sto. Tomas, San Gabriel, Sudipen, and Bangar completed the training.

The activity aims to reward the SOA participants and coordinators in their valuable participation during the conduct of SOA on RCEF-RESP. The nine top achievers were awarded certificate of cecognition, certificate of completion, tokens and cash prizes. It was also attended by the Municipal Agriculturists, SOA Coordinators together with their top achievers.

Col. Ramon P. Laudencia, the Provincial Agriculturist of La Union, graced the activity. In his inspirational message he said, "Malaking bagay ang extension services program ng ATI para maipalaganap ang mga makabagong teknolohiya, kaalaman at mga impormasyon na kinakailangan ng ating mga magsasaka lalo na sa panahon na ito. I hope na itong ating mga natutunan ninyo ay maishare natin sa mas marami pang magasasaka. Sa mga top achievers natin ngayon congratulations sa inyo". OIC-ATI Director, Dr. Rosana P. Mula, and ATI-RTC 1 Center Director, Dr. Rogelio Evangelista also extended their support thru their insightful video messages.

Due to COVID-19 restrictions and community quarantine in various parts of the region, separate graduation ceremonies were also held in their respective municipalities. Proper health protocols were also observed in line with the Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF) guidelines and recommendations amidst COVID-19 pandemic.