BUTUAN CITY, Agusan del Norte – Concluding its 16 episodes participated successfully by 319 individuals, the “Okay sa OA: School on-the-Air on Organic Agriculture (OA) Production” held its graduation on air last November 13, 2020 over 93.5 FM Hope Radio Philippines Butuan.

Said activity started airing on July 10, 2020 and ended on October 30, 2020 in partnership with the Provincial Agriculture and Veterinary Office of Agusan del Sur. It was participated by 12 Local Government Units of Agusan del Sur namely: Sibagat, Esperanza, Prosperidad, San Francisco, Bunawan, Rosario, Talacogon, San Luis, La Paz, Loreto, Veruela, and Trento.

Samuel Calonzo said during its launching and first episode that the Agricultural Training Institute – Regional Training Center (ATI-RTC) XIII continues to extend its agricultural extension services despite of the current covid-19 pandemic. Not only did the program used radio as a channel of its implementation but also utilizes Facebook live to widen its reach where interested individuals could watch live and interact through texts and comments.

As the country faces the pandemic, problems and limitations were faced during its implementation since face-to-face activities were prohibited alongside travel bans and lockdown of LGUs. Those enrollees who were living in the outskirts of the community which only radio could reach were able to listen and participate.

Nila Estrada, Provincial OA Focal Person, said “We have made some adjustments and created strategies in order to meet the requirements of the implementation of the School on-the-Air on Organic Agriculture here in Agusan del Sur. Together with ATI, we are very grateful to be able to conduct this program.”

Joel Corvera served as the anchorperson. Nila Estrada, Elena Bausing, and Jovert Gimoto were the resource persons all coming from PAVO. Topics discussed include: the Republic Act 10068; preparation of organic concoctions; insect, pests, and diseases management; natural farming system; Integrated Diversified Organic Farming System (IDOFS); farm design; livestock (native chicken) production and organic aquaculture; harvesting and marketing organic products; and Organic certification.

“On behalf of the enrollees, I am very thankful to be able to participate in this SOA. That even if there is pandemic, I am able to get additional knowledge and learning about organic agriculture production without leaving our respective homes. This is a very timely approach and is appropriate especially in this time of covid-19 pandemic. I am very thankful to ATI who have made this activity successful with the Provincial Agriculture and Veterinary Office, the Municipal Agriculture Office and to our SOA coordinators. I am also thankful to my family who would help me wake up every Friday at 5:30 in the morning to listen and learn. Thank you very much,” said Ms. Elena Dableo, one of the graduates from Loreto, Agusan del Sur.

Aside from the certificates, the graduates will also receive starter kits composed of farm tools, foliar liquid fertilizer, and vegetable seeds. Said SOA on OA Production was spearheaded by the Information Services Section of ATI-RTC XIII.