SURIGAO CITY – A total of 23 provincial and municipal coordinators convened last August 13, 2024, at E.Y. Miner Suites, Surigao City for the mid-assessment of the School-on-the-Air (SOA) on Smart Rice Production (SRA).
During the meeting, Provincial Agriculturist Ruby-Ann S. Lagahit highlighted the continued effectiveness of radio as a medium for disseminating relevant information and updates, despite the advancements in communication technology. She also stressed the importance of ensuring that programs and interventions like SOA and other training initiatives lead to innovations, increased farmer productivity, and positive impacts on farmers' lives. Aurell Arais of the Department of Agriculture - Caraga Region echoed radio's significance and positive effects, even in the digital age.
Jessa Y. Mindanao, Agusan del Norte provincial SOA coordinator, reported that 843 individuals have enrolled from the municipalities of Buenavista, Cabadbaran City, Jabonga, and Kitcharao. They also mentioned Las Nieves, Magallanes, Nasipit, RTRomualdez, Santiago, Tubay, and Butuan City. Meanwhile, Ivy Briones, Surigao del Norte provincial SOA coordinator, presented some issues including weak radio signals in some areas and difficulty retrieving forms. She mentioned a total of 513 enrollees from the municipalities of Claver, Alegria, Bacuag, Gigaquit, Mainit, Placer, Surigao City, Tagana-an, Tubod, Malimono, Sison, and San Francisco.
Margie Rigor, PDI provincial coordinator, conveyed that PDI has 142 enrollees from the municipalities of Basilisa, Dinagat, Cagdianao, San Jose, and Libjo. She also mentioned that in addition to radio, the program was streamed live via Facebook to reach more listeners. She suggested skills training on broadcasting to enhance their capacities as first-time anchors and requested possible support for internet connectivity.
Cristine R. Baldovino, SOA coordinator from San Miguel, Surigao del Sur, reported having 539 enrollees from the 14 rice-producing barangays. They mentioned that despite complaints about poor radio reception, enrollees could still follow through with the episode via a recorded program on their FB page.
During the open forum, Jason Paul Dads E. Jampac, OIC Chief of the Information Services Section, addressed the concerns raised by provincial coordinators. He encouraged them to maximize options such as using canned or recorded episodes and posting SOA on Facebook to ensure that participants wouldn't miss out on the topics discussed by the speakers. He also reminded them of the submission of reports, resource person information sheets, and evaluation forms. Initial discussions on post-assessment and graduation schedules also took place. Aurell Arais of the Department of Agriculture - Caraga Region mentioned a possible collaboration with ATI regarding capability building on broadcasting.
The School-on-the-Air (SOA) on SRA is currently on its 9th episode and is being implemented in Agusan del Norte and Butuan City, Surigao del Norte, Surigao del Sur, and the Province of Dinagat Islands. It is expected to end in the 3rd week of September.
