TANDAG CITY, Surigao del Sur- With an aim of intensifying the promotion of cacao production in Surigao del Sur, the School-on-the-Air (SOA) program was finally launched by the Agricultural Training Institute-Regional Training Center (ATI-RTC) 13 on May 23, 2019. The launching/first airing of the SOA program was hosted by Fritzieh C. Trujillo from the Provincial Agriculture Office as the Anchorman together with Cacao Specialist Domingo O. Viduya and Ms. Ginalyn V. Arbutante from ATI-Caraga as SOA program Focal Person.

During the launching, Ms. Arbutante discussed the overview of the program for four months of airing along with the corresponding activities that will be conducted. Municipal Coordinators were also reminded on their roles and responsibilities assigned for the program and to cater the needs of the SOA enrollees/students.

Mr. Trujillo reiterated the consolidation of documents and other pertinent requirements needed for a smooth implementation of the said program. Pre-test was also aired during the first episode as well as the topic on cacao industry situationer.

The airing of 16 episodes will be heard every Thursday at 5-6 AM via DXBP 97.5 SureFM in Tandag City with its hook-up station based in Carrascal, Surigao del Sur. This is a once a week program which runs from May 23-September 5, 2019.

This program was participated and listened with more than 500 identified SOA students comprising farmers, Agricultural Extension Workers (AEWs), students and other stakeholders from the different municipalities and cities in Surigao del Sur.

Everyone is also invited to tune in to the program, SOA enrollees or not as long as they are interested in cacao production.

The said SOA program is funded under the High Value Crops Development Program (HVCDP) of the ATI-RTC 13. This is in cooperation with the Local Government Unit (LGU) of Surigao del Sur through its Provincial Agriculture Office headed by Provincial Agriculturist Marcos M. Quico.