BUTUAN CITY – The signing of the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) last June 5, 2020 sealed the official partnership of the Agricultural Training Institute – Regional Training Center 13 represented by Center Director Samuel L. Calonzo and the Provincial Local Government Unit of Agusan del Norte represented by Provincial Governor Hon. Dale B. Corvera for the implementation of the School-on-the-Air (SOA) program.

The SOA on Inbred Rice Production and Farm Mechanization covers seven priority areas under the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund – Rice Extension Services Program (RCEF-RESP) within Agusan del Norte. These include Buenavista, Las Nieves, Cabadbaran City, RTRomualdez, Jabonga, Kitcharao all of Agusan del Norte including Butuan City.

As stipulated in the MOA, ATI will provide logistic support for the program. The PLGU through the Provincial Agriculture Office (PAO) headed by OIC-Provincial Agriculturist Alvin P. Aclan collaborates with ATI by providing personnel to serve as Program Anchor, Coordinator as well as Resource Persons and coordinates with the participating Local Government Units.
Th
e SOA is an extension-communication strategy for the promotion, advocacy, and adoption of Inbred Rice Production and Farm Mechanization in the province through the fastest and cheapest medium, radio. It will run for 16 weeks on a one-hour per week session starting July 2020 with 320 target enrollees.

This is another timely undertaking of ATI alternative to face-to-face trainings or seminars as we are shifting to the so-called “new normal.”