SURIGAO CITY, Surigao del Norte - The Agricultural Training Institute-Regional Training Center(ATI-RTC) XIII conducted its mass graduation for School on-the-Air (SOA) on Organic Agriculture on November 16, 2022 for the mainland municipalities at Capitol Compound, Convention Hall, Surigao City, and on November 21, 2022 for the island municipalities at Provincial Convention Center in Dapa.

A total of 544 composed of farmers, students, and Agricultural Extension Workers (AEWs) from 19 municipalities of the province graduated upon completion of the 16 episodes, which aired once a week every Friday from 5:00–6:00 am via RMN-DXRS Surigao.

Angel R. Fazon, Jr., who was the Provincial SOA Coordinator in the province was also the anchorperson for every episode. The participants were from 19 LGUs: Alegria, Bacuag, Claver, Gigaquit, Mainit, Malimono, Placer, San Francisco, Sison, Surigao City, Taganaan, Tubod, Dapa, General Luna, Pilar, San Benito, San Isidro, Sta. Monica, and Socorro, Surigao del Norte.

On behalf of Governor Robert Lyndon S. Barbers, Vice Governor Eddie Gokiangkee, Jr. gave his message of congratulatory to the graduates. Atty. Richelle B. Dedumo, Assistant Provincial Legal Officer, was also present during the graduation. In his speech, he reiterated that the governor and the provincial office are happy over the development where surigaonon farmers were privileged to learn various agricultural technologies. He added that implementing the ATI-RTC XIII programs succeeded through partnership with the municipal, provincial government, and other concerned agencies.

Further, he praised the farmers for contributing to the province's various achievements. With the learnings gained, farmers continuously improve their knowledge to become more productive and have enough food for their families. Participation in this program manifested their interest in improving their way of living.

Fil Victor A. Babanto, OIC-Center Director of ATI-RTC XIII, said that the program aimed to disseminate information and knowledge on organic agriculture production through broadcast media. It also wants to help farmers and agricultural workers improve their farm production while helping preserve the environment.

Ruby-Ann S. Lagahit, Provincial Agriculturist, municipal agriculturists, and coordinators were present during the graduation. Resource persons were Maricel Maturan, Segundino Cagas, Jr., and Stella Asuncion Sabaldan from the provincial agriculture and veterinary office.

As a highlight, the top three (3) SOA graduates per municipality were awarded during the ceremony. They received certificates and awards for their outstanding performance during the four months implementation of the program. The basis of the award was their pre-test, quizzes, and final examination results. The top 1 received a chargeable knapsack sprayer; top 2 had an organic foliar fertilizer. On the other hand, the top 3 received pail, seedling tray, and various vegetable seeds.

Also, LGU-Claver, Surigao del Norte, was recognized as the "participating LGU with the highest number of graduates."