PATIN-AY, PROSPERIDAD, Agusan del Sur – The School-on-the-Air (SOA) on Coconut Production was officially launched today, an innovative program designed to provide coconut farmers with accurate information, modern technologies, and practical knowledge on coconut farming through radio and social media platforms.

The program is a collaborative initiative of the Agricultural Training Institute – Regional Training Center XIII (ATI-RTC XIII), the Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA) – Caraga Region, and the Provincial Government of Agusan del Sur through the Provincial Agriculture and Veterinary Office (PAVO) – Agriculture Operations, in partnership with DXGP 89.7 FM Agusan Radio.

In her message, Ms. Edelyn C. Saligan, Administrative Officer V, representing Provincial Agriculturist Mr. Armando G. Valiente, encouraged farmers to take advantage of this unique learning opportunity. She emphasized that even outside a formal classroom setting, participants can gain valuable knowledge from experts to help improve coconut farm management and production.

Meanwhile, ATI-RTC XIII OIC-Center Director Noemi Beth G. Macario highlighted that the SOA serves as an effective platform for enhancing the knowledge, skills, and livelihoods of coconut farmers. She also assured participants that ATI remains committed to providing additional training programs under the Coconut Farmers and Industry Development Plan (CFIDP) to further strengthen the coconut sector and help farmers become more productive and competitive.

PCA Agusan del Sur Division Chief Manolito Casapao expressed his gratitude to local government units for their continued support and active participation in agricultural programs. He noted that LGUs play a crucial role in the efficient delivery of new technologies and services to farmers.

Information Systems Services (ISS) Chief Jason Paul Dads E. Jampac also discussed the objectives, benefits, and mechanics of the program, helping participants better understand their roles and responsibilities throughout the SOA.

A total of 510 coconut farmers registered under the National Coconut Farmers Registry System (NCFRS) have officially enrolled in the program and are expected to complete it. Participants come from the municipalities of Bayugan, Bunawan, Esperanza, La Paz, Loreto, Prosperidad, Rosario, San Francisco, San Luis, Sta. Josefa, Sibagat, Talacogon, Trento, and Veruela.

Mr. Joel B. Corvera, Farm Caster of PAVO–Agriculture Operations, serves as the program anchor and overall SOA Coordinator, with assistance from municipal SOA coordinators from the 14 participating municipalities in implementing the program.

The program will run for 16 weeks and will air every Thursday from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM until October 8, 2026, through DXGP 89.7 FM Agusan Radio and the official Facebook pages of ATI-Caraga Region XIII and the Provincial Agriculture Office – Agusan del Sur.