BUTUAN CITY – The Provincial Local Government Unit (PLGU) of Agusan del Norte, through the Provincial Agriculture Office, has once again pledged its support to the massive and sustained education on modern and innovative technologies and approaches to smart rice production through the School-on-Air (SOA) on Smart Rice Agriculture (SRA). 

This transpired during the briefing for the SOA on Smart Rice Agriculture, held at Charlie’s Dormitel, Butuan City on April 11, 2024, which was spearheaded by the Information Services Section (ISS). Present during the activity were OIC Provincial Agriculturist Mr. Benjie M. Villaruben, Municipal Agriculturists Roselyn R. Morrondoz of Magallanes and Leonito C. Pasquito of Las Nieves, and municipal coordinators from the participating LGUs. Also present were personnel from the City Agriculture Office of Butuan City, who also signified participation in the SOA. 

Mr. Jason Paul Dads E. Jampac, OIC Chief of the Information Services Section -ATI-RTC XIII, presented the overview and rationale of the program, highlighting its objectives, target participants, and program mechanics. Moreover, there have been discussions on the roles and responsibilities of the collaborating agencies. 

OIC PA Villaruben gladly reassured the ATI of their usual cooperation and engagement in the implementation. He designated Ms. Jessa Y. Mindajao as the program anchor and provincial coordinator. He signified his willingness to serve as one of the resource persons of the SOA. 

As part of the agreement, there will be 840 target enrollees from the municipalities of Buenavista, Cabadbaran City, Jabonga, Las Nieves, Kitcharao, Nasipit, Magallanes, RTRomualdez, Santiago, Tubay, and Butuan City.  The SOA will commence on June first week until September, every Tuesday from 5:30 to 6:30 in the morning. 

This year’s SOA on SRA will be conducted in four provinces within the region, particularly in the provinces of Agusan del Norte and Butuan City, Surigao del Norte, Province of Dinagat Islands, and Surigao del Sur, targeting over 2,000 farmer-enrollees.