SAN AGUSTIN, Surigao del Sur - In an effort to enhance knowledge and promote sustainable farming practices, the Agricultural Training Institute – Regional Training Center 13 (ATI-RTC 13) conducted a mid-assessment activity for the School-on-the-Air Program on Corn Production (SOA Corn) at the Alameda Farm on July 13, 2023. The event saw the convergence of SOA coordinators across Surigao del Sur (SDS) to evaluate the program's progress and exchange valuable insights.

There were 14 coordinators who were present. Among them was Ellen Mae Orcullo, SDS Provincial SOA coordinator, who presented the status of submission of the required documents.

Under the guidance of Fil Victor A. Babanto, Information Officer III and Chief of the Information Services Section (ISS) of ATI-RTC 13, the open forum was useful in gathering feedback and developing strategies for improvement. Babanto also said during his message that ATI and the LGUs need to discuss ways to enhance SOA's effectiveness, relevance, and impact on learners.

Other agreements discussed were: replacement of enrollees and drop-outs policy, spelling accuracy for certificate printing, submission of hard copies of SOA forms, recognition of top-performing enrollees, token/award identification, post-assessment schedule and location, CPD accreditation, transportation for the participants, among others.

The SOA Corn program was launched last May 9 and the airing is expected to culminate on August 29, 2023. However, the graduation ceremony is expected to happen no later than October of this year.

The SOA Corn program aims to equip corn farmers with the necessary skills and knowledge to bolster corn production. The program reaches the entire province of Surigao del Sur through radio broadcasts and offers valuable agricultural information to improve yields and adopt sustainable farming practices.