In a triumph of agricultural knowledge and community empowerment, Agricultural Training Institute Regional Training Center 02 recently conducted the School on the Air on Smart Rice Agriculture mass graduation in Quirino Province on November 15, 2023, underscoring the dedication of local farmers to embrace innovative and sustainable farming practices.

Led by Dir. Imelda M. Guillermo of ATI RTC 02 , the ceremony brought together key figures such as Dir. Kay Olivas, RTD for Research, Regulation, and Admin of DA RFO 2, Mr. Fernando Garcia, Assistant Branch Director of PhilRice Isabela, Ms. Florence Mangoba, the Provincial Agriculturist of Quirino and Municipal Agriculturists. Hon. Midy Cua, Congresswoman of Quirino, also delivered her video message to congratulate the farmer graduates. The event celebrated the achievements of over 696 farmers who successfully completed the Smart Rice Agriculture program, a testament to their commitment to advancing agricultural practices.

Highlight of the event was the recognition of the top graduates from each municipality, spotlighting their exemplary commitment to excellence. These graduates, now proudly known as "Smart Farmers," are poised to become ambassadors of change in their communities, sharing their newfound knowledge to elevate local farming practices.

"Marami akong natutunan sa SOA SRA. Dati ay pinaghahalo naming i-apply ang mga abono kung kaya't marami rin kaming gastos. At dahil sa SOA SRA ay nalaman ko na ang tamang paraan ng pag aabono lalo na ang paggamit ng E- element ng abono A -amount o sukat ng abono na ilalagay at T-timing sa pag aabono," said Aprilyn Lausan, a farmer-graduate from Nagtipunan, Quirino.

What sets this graduation apart is the expectation that these Smart Farmers will extend the reach of their knowledge through social media platforms. As ambassadors of sustainable agriculture, they will contribute to building a network of informed farmers, fostering collaboration and collective growth.

SOA SRA is in collaboration of ATI RTC 02, DA RFO2, PhilRice Isabela, PHilMech, DA Quirino Experiment Station, PLGU and MLGUs.

The School on the Air mass graduation in Quirino Province is not just a ceremony; it is a proclamation of a new era in farming. The graduates are not just Smart Farmers; they are the architects of a more sustainable and prosperous agricultural landscape in Quirino, setting the stage for continued growth and success in the province's agricultural sector.