AGUSAN DEL SUR - Nearly 500 farmer-graduates from Agusan del Sur have satisfactorily completed the requirements of the 4-month long SOA on Inbred Rice Seeds Production and Farm Mechanization under the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund – Rice Extension Program (RCEF-REP).

The eight participating municipalities are Bunawan, Esperanza, Lapaz, San Francisco, Sta. Josefa, Talacogon, Trento and Veruela. During the on-air graduation last October 22, 2021 at Hope Radio Philippines – Butuan, the top three graduates per municipalities were recognized. Aside from the certificate of completion, each graduate will also receive foliar fertilizer as starter kit for their rice production.

The Career Development and Management Services Section (CDMSS) Chief and Rice/RCEF Point Person Violeta T. Laguna acknowledged the invaluable support of the Provincial Local Government Unit (PLGUs) through the Provincial Agriculture and Veterinary Office (PAVO) and the Municipal LGUs in the successful implementation of the program.

In his message, Center Director Samuel L. Calonzo mentioned that the rice farmers are faced with challenges in production and more importantly on the marketing aspect of their produce. “One way of addressing these challenges is to acquire new information about rice farming, advancement in technology and sharing of best practices,” Calonzo said. He also emphasized that the government has initiated numerous support interventions such as mechanization and credit assistance which the farmers can avail from.

Meanwhile, Provincial Agriculturist Armando G. Valiente mentioned that despite the alarming drop of the farmgate price of rice, the government instrumentalities have initiated various projects and interventions to lower the production cost and improve the quality of seeds through RCEF. He encouraged the farmers to continue learning and apply what they learned from the program.

SOA in-charge Mary Grace B. Salve recognized the vital contribution of the SOA coordinators and the pool of trainers from the PAVO including the partners from the Land Bank of the Philippines (LBP) and the Philippine Crop Insurance Corporation (PCIC).

The SOA which aired from June 11 to September 24, 2021 was anchored by Mr. Joel Corvera of the PAVO -Agusan del Sur.