Twenty-three (23) coordinators of the School-on-the-Air (SOA) program on coconut production gathered at the Alameda Farm in San Agustin, Surigao del Sur last July 14, 2023 to share experiences, learn best practices, and discuss strategies for improving the effectiveness, relevance, and impact of the program on learners.
The activity was organized by the Agricultural Training Institute-Regional Training Center (ATI-RTC) 13 in partnership with the Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA) Caraga.
The SOA coordinators who attended the activity came from different Local Government Units (LGUs) in Agusan del Norte and Agusan del Sur. They shared their experiences and challenges in implementing the SOA program and discussed ways to enhance it to better meet the needs of the enrollees.
Fil Victor A. Babanto, Information Officer III and Chief of the Information Services Section, delivered his message by outlining the objectives of the program, emphasizing the need to assess the current status of program implementation. He also mentioned the Post Assessment scheduled to take place from September 27 to 29, 2023, in Butuan City. This assessment is set to be applied for Continuing Professional Development (CPD) accreditation.
During the event, Ernalyn Colon of the Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA) Caraga region, shared some updates and insights from her agency. Colon noted that PCA is willing to extend a hand for potential collaborations with other agencies, stating that the PCA is always willing to provide assistance and support where possible.
The SOA program in Agusan del Norte has seen varying levels of success and encountered specific concerns in different municipalities according to its Provincial Coordinator, Julius Lomarda. While some areas have been running smoothly without any issues, others faced challenges related to communication, enrollment, and kit availability.
On the other hand, Provincial Coordinator Joel Corvera of Agusan del Sur also reported the status of the SOA program in his province. He said that out of the targeted 300 enrollees, five LGUs were absent during the reported period. While 19 LGUs have submitted hard copies of the Enrollment Forms, six are yet to submit them. Specific concerns include the lack of kits in Loreto, missed live broadcasts in San Francisco, and difficulties reaching far-flung enrollees in Esperanza, who primarily access the program via Facebook.
During the open forum, Babanto reminded the coordinators to post the submission status via the FB group chat. Moreover, he also mentioned the updating of the broadcast guide, pro-rating of honorarium, submission of RPIS and SO, schedule of the Post-Assessment, schedule and venue of the mass graduation, transportation support by the LGUs, and correctness of enrollees' names for certificate printing.
