CD Samuel L. Calonzo encourages farmers’ commitment to the SOA on Inbred Rice Seeds Production and Farm Mechanization during its launching on July 9, 2020 at HOPE Radio Philippines Butuan – 93.5 FM.
BUTUAN CITY – The Agricultural Training Institute – Regional Training Center 13 (ATI-RTC 13) and the Provincial Local Government Unit (PLGU) through the Provincial Agriculture Office-Agusan del Norte (PAO-ADN) officially launched the School-on-the-Air (SOA) on Inbred Rice Seeds Production and Farm Mechanization under the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund – Rice Extension Services Program (RCEF-RESP) on July 9, 2020.
The activity was graced by ATI-RTC Center Director Samuel L. Calonzo, Information Services Section Chief Fil Victor A. Babanto and Mr. Benjie Villaruben of PAO-ADN.
In his message, CD Calonzo emphasized that the SOA is a timely response to the call for adjusting to the “new normal” wherein traditional training conducts are now restricted. “I hope that you give value to the lessons and technology that will be shared to you by our Resource Persons. This is in support to the government’s thrust of growing your own food and in ensuring food security amidst pandemic,” said Calonzo. He also thanked the PLGU and the participating LGUs for their support and cooperation.
Mr. Babanto gave a little overview of RCEF which is created to improve rice farmers’ competitiveness and income amidst the liberalization of rice trade by virtue of RA 11203 or Rice Tariffication Law. He enumerated the four components of RCEF which include: Rice farm machinery and equipment; Rice seed development, propagation, and promotion; Expanded rice credit assistance; and, Rice extension services.
SOA In-Charge Mary Grace Salve added that the program aimed to intensify the promotion of high-quality rice seeds and farm mechanization to more than 300 farmers and stakeholders from seven LGUs under RCEF priority areas in Agusan del Norte and Butuan City. These are the LGUs of Buenavista, Las Nieves, Cabadbaran City, RTRomualdez, Jabonga, Kitcharao and Butuan City.
A pre-test was also administered by the program anchor Rodolfo Nalla to determine the level of knowledge of the enrolees prior to lecture proper starting on its second episode. Joining him as Resource Persons for the whole duration of the SOA are Mr. Benjie Villaruben and Ms. Joan dela Torre of the City Agriculturist Office – Butuan City.
The program will run for 16 weeks every Thursdays at 5:30 -6:30 in the morning over Hope Radio Philippines Butuan – 93.5 FM.