Sukailang, Surigao City - Information Services Section Chief Fil Victor A. Babanto expressed his gratitude to the Provincial Agriculture Office of Agusan del Sur, Agusan del Norte, and Surigao del Norte in the smooth implementation of the school-on-the-air (SOA) program on Smart Rice Agriculture.

During the mid-assessment held on July 11, 2023, in JB Nature Farm, Sukailang, Surigao City, Babanto mentioned that since its launching on May 17, the provincial and municipal coordinators have consistently provided support by ensuring that enrollees never missed out on an episode, and quizzes.

Mr. Angel R. Fazon, SOA Provincial Coordinator of Surigao del Norte, provided updates on the status of the program implementation in 12 participating municipalities of the province, namely, Alegria, Bacuag, Claver, Mainit, Malimono, Placer, San Francisco, Sison, Socorro, Surigao City, Tagana-an, Tubod. He added that though some areas have experienced poor radio signals, enrollees follow through with the lectures via FB live.

Mr. Benjie M. Villaruben, Senior Agriculturist/Provincial Coordinator of Agusan del Norte, reported that most coordinators submitted the required forms, Special Orders, among others. He said that coordinators share information and updates through the group chat. Meanwhile, Mr. Joel B. Corvera, Agusan del Sur provincial coordinator, reported that their actual enrollees pulled from 900 to 889 enrollees.

The coordinators also agreed on the schedules of post-assessment, retrieval and submission of required documents, and evaluation. Also present during the event is Ms. Perlyn R. Itang, of PhilRice – Agusan.

The SOA on SRA will culminate on August 30, 2023, for Agusan del Norte and Agusan del Sur and on September 13 for Surigao del Norte.