Mr. Samuel L. Calonzo, ATI-RTC 13 Center Director during his message. He said that this program is very timely as we are now faced with this very challenging time amidst the COVID 19 pandemic.
BUTUAN CITY – Despite the Covid-19 pandemic, the School-on-the-Air on Corn Production dubbed as “Radyo Eskwela sa Mais, Ikay Wais” finally concluded on October 8, 2021. There were 600 farmers enrolled from the 9 municipalities and 2 cities of the province of Agusan del Norte.
The SOA program of the Department of Agriculture (DA) through the Agriculture Training Institute (ATI) aimed to educate farmers on applicable ways of growing crops and address problems and information needs on corn production in Caraga region.
In partnership with the Provincial Agriculture Office- Agusan del Norte and Local Government Units (LGUs) from the municipality and city levels, the SOA program began on May 18, 2021 up to October 8. This was aired from 5:00 to 6:00 AM via HOPE Radio Butuan 93.5 FM every Tuesday. Farmers listened to various Resource Persons (RPs) who provided insights and inputs on effective corn production. Miguelito D. Velasco, Agricultural Technologist from Province of Agusan del Norte served as the program anchor.
It can be recalled that the SOA culminated last October 8 via radio and ATI-Caraga Facebook live.
The graduates came from Buenavista (30), Carmen (30), Kitcharao (30), RTR (30), Tubay (30), Jabonga (50), Santiago (50), Nasipit (50), Cabadbaran City (50), Las Nieves (130), and Butuan City (100).
Highlight of the graduation program was the awarding of certificates of recognition to high performers in the municipalities. The top three performers were determined in each of the 11 municipalities by the coordinators. Prizes like knapsack sprayer, 3-in-1 radio, and farm boots were given to the top performers.
In his message, ATI-13 Center Director Samuel L. Calonzo informed that the SOA has been implemented by ATI for decades already. He also added that this program is very timely as the country faces the most challenging time and ATI has to carry out its mandate to deliver our services to our clientele.
Moreover, Provincial Agriculturist Alvin T. Aclan delivered his message via phone patch. He encouraged the graduates to continue availing of the services and programs of partner agencies like the DA-ATI. Furthermore, he appealed to the ATI officials to give priority to the graduates in future programs which could further help them in their livelihood.
Meanwhile, all LGUs, national line agencies, and other stakeholders who actively participated and helped for the success of the program were also recognized during the culminating program.