Center Director Samuel L. Calonzo (left) gave his message emphasizing the potential and benefits of growing cacao not just in the local level but in the international trade with Joel Corvera from PAVO- Agusan del Sur during the SOA on Cacao Production launching on May 20, 2021.
BUTUAN CITY, Agusan del Norte – Inked in partnership with the Provincial Agriculture and Veterinary Office (PAVO) of Agusan del Sur, the Agricultural Training Institute – Regional Training Center (ATI-RTC) officially launched the “Asenso ‘Kaw sa Kakaw: School on-the-Air (SOA) Program on Cacao Production on Thursday, May 20, 2021 at 5:00 AM – 6:00 AM over 93.5 FM Hope Radio Philippines Butuan.
The program started with a welcome message via phone patch by Mr. Armando Valiente, Provincial Agriculturist. He thanked the support given by ATI-RTC XIII to the province in granting the SOA program which was one of the requested activities of the province expressed during the consultation activity of ATI. The province has been giving priority to cacao production as one of the promoted crop in its Upland Sustainable Agri-Forestry Development (USAD) program.
“With this partnership with ATI, we are ensured that we will gain additional knowledge in the management of our cacao plant that will lead to better produce giving our farmers an increase in his income,” said PA Valiente.
Samuel Calonzo, ATI-RTC XIII Center Director, also gave his message encouraging the listeners especially those who are enrolled in the SOA program to complete the 16 episodes. He also shared his experience together with the USAD staff in monitoring cacao farmers within the province on which he could say that Agusan del Sur is way ahead of other LGUs in terms of cacao production, post-harvest, and processing.
Moreover, the overview of the program was given by Ressell Angelie S. Fetalsana, ATI Information Officer II and SOA on Cacao Production coordinator. On the other hand, Joel Corvera, provincial farmcaster-designate and anchorperson of the program, administered the pretest.
Maricar Prochina, PAVO Agriculturist II, gave a brief introduction on cacao plant and industry which will be continued in the next session.
The SOA program aims to strengthen the promotion of cacao production through the use of radio to reach a larger audience ranging from farmers, Agricultural Extension Workers (AEWs), students, housewives, and other agri-enthusiasts’ individuals.