TANDAG CITY - With their certificates, the 584 farmer-enrollees marched the stage of the Governor Alexander Pimental Multi-Purpose Hall, Tandag City, last October 16, 2023, as they completed the four-month School-on-the-Air (SOA) on Corn Production which commenced on May 9, 2023.

Marcos M. Quico, Provincial Agriculturist, welcomed the graduates and mentioned that the SOA is part of the work efforts of the government through the ATI so that services can reach the farmers in far-flung areas. He added that interventions are available not only to improve the income of corn producers but also to help the meat industry since yellow corn is a major raw material for feeds for poultry and livestock. Meanwhile, the Provincial Governor, ably represented by SB Member Hon. Valerio Montesclaros, ensured the participants that the provincial government would extend possible support interventions in marketing the produce and provide recommendations to LGUs to avail agricultural machinery for the corn farmers. 

ATI OIC Assistant Center Director Violeta T. Laguna expressed gratitude to the Office of the Provincial Agriculturist and the respective Municipal Agriculture Offices for their vital contribution to the successful implementation of the SOA. She shared the formula for success as they complete the SOA as Input + Output + Outcome. 

The participating LGUs are Bayabas, Barobo, Bislig City, Cagwait, Cantilan, Carmen, Carrascal, Cortes, Hinatuan, Lanuza, Lianga, Lingig, Madrid, Marihatag, San Agustin, San Miguel, Tagbina, Tago, and Tandag City. 

From the large group emerged five outstanding graduates at the provincial level selected from the top one enrollee of each participating LGU, namely;  

1. Jeanette Rhodora S. Formoso (Cortes)                                        

2. Rosemarie R. Montes (Barobo                                       

3. Elme M. Indoyon (Lingig)                               

4. Flora P. Guibijar (Mardrid)                

5. Gilbert B. Bermudez (Tandag City)                

The graduates received their certificates of completion, while top-performing graduates received tokens. Municipal SOA coordinators and resource persons also received certificates of appreciation and tokens.