KIDAPAWAN CITY- Recently, CoViD-19 or widely known as the Corona Virus Disease 2019 has significantly affected people’s lives worldwide. Countries are in lock down, 6.15M people were infected and the virus has claimed immense number of lives.
Following the outbreak of CoViD-19 which started in Wuhan, Hubei, China, President Rodrigo Roa Duterte declared a national state of calamity last March 16 in the country due to the said disease. The proclamation also declared enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) in the entire island of Luzon.
The ECQ has restricted the movement of population and temporary closure of some non-essential shops and businesses. Mass gatherings and all means of transportation were also prohibited. Likewise, ‘Work from Home’ arrangement were also applied to both public agencies and private companies.
ATI 12 has created strategies to properly conduct and deliver its trainings and programs without putting to risk the lives of its clienteles. The RCEF Information Caravan in a mass-gathering set up last year, is now conducted on air through Radio Broadcast and online through Facebook live. This is to further minimize the risk of contracting the CoViD-19.
Last May 29 and 30, the ATI-RTC 12 through its Information Services Section successfully aired its 1st and 2nd Batch of RCEF Information Caravan, respectively. This is through 747 DXND Radyo Bida Kidapawan City from 11:00-12:00 PM with replay at DXMS Radyo Bida Cotabato City from 1:00-2:00 PM.
Residents of North Cotabato Province were informed about the government’s program through RCEF which aimed at helping the rice farmers increase their income and competitiveness amidst liberalization of rice trade policy.
Representatives from different implementing agencies such as PhilRice, PHilMech and Landbank of the Philippines were filmed regarding their respective programs.
Among the resource persons were Chief Science Research Specialist of PhilRice Mr. Ommal Abdulkadil, Assistant Cluster Head for Mindanao of PHilMech Engr. Ray Adarna and Accounts Officer of Land Bank North Cotabato Lending Center Mr Joseph Banlawi.
ATI 12 Planning Officer Engr. Teofilo T. Jumawan, Jr and Technical Staff John Lord Auman also discussed about the Rice Tarrification Law and Rice Extension Services Program of RCEF, respectively.
ISS Officer-in-Charge Ms Hannadi Guiamad-Pompong and Technical Staff John Lord Auman served as facilitator during the RCEF Information Caravan Radio Broadcast and Facebook Live.
The first 2 batches of RCEF Information Caravan has gained over hundreds of radio listeners and 2.6k Facebook live viewers. Selected listeners and viewers will be given RCEF freebies as part of the extension support of the program. These include vegetable seeds, leaf color chart, RCEF shirt, ecobag and other giveaways.
Despite the ECQ/GCQ going around the different parts of the country because of the pandemic, ATI remained steadfast in fulfilling its mandate and thrust. The ATI in Region 12 will continue to provide excellent extension services beyond boundaries through this ‘New Normal’. (John Lord Aluman)