In a remarkable celebration of knowledge and agricultural innovation, Agricultural Training Institute Regional Training Center 02 recently hosted a mass graduation on School on the Air on Smart Rice Agriculture on November 14, 2023 at the Capitol Compound, Bayombong, Nueva Vizcaya marking a significant milestone in the journey towards a more sustainable and efficient farming community.
Led by Director Imelda M. Guillermo of ATI RTC 02 along with esteemed guests including Dir. Kay Olivas, RTD for Research, Regulation, and Admin of DA RFO 2, Mr. Fernando Garcia, Assistant Branch Director of PhilRice Isabela, and Mr. Absalom Rizal D. Baysa, the Provincial Agriculturist of Nueva Vizcaya, the graduation ceremony honored over 1813 farmers who completed the SOA Smart Rice Agriculture program.
The ceremony, held in the presence of Governor Atty. Jose V. Gambito, Board Member Edgardo Balgos representing Congresswoman Luisa Lloren Cuaresma, Hon. Atty. Ronelie U. Valtoribio, Municipal Mayor of Villaverde and Municipal Agriculturists whom showcased the dedication and commitment of these farmers to embracing new and innovative farming techniques. The Smart Rice Agriculture program, conducted through the School on the Air radio initiative, has equipped these individuals with advanced knowledge and skills to enhance rice production.
One of the standout features of the event was the recognition of the top 5 graduates from each municipality, adding a competitive yet celebratory spirit to the occasion. These graduates are now proudly referred to as "Smart Farmers," a testament to their newfound expertise in modern farming practices.
"Ang mahalagang natutunan ko po sa School on the Air ay ito po ay nagbibigay gabay sa aming mga magsasaka sa mga bagong teknolohiya sa pagsasaka. Ang bagong teknolohiyang aking napag aralan na maibabahagi ko sa aking kapwa magsasaka ay ang Rice Crop Manager na nagbibigay gabay sa amin mula sa paghahanda ng lupa, tamang binhi, tamang pataba at pamamahala ng mga peste at sakit ng palay" said Joselito De Guzman, a farmer-graduate from Dupax del Sur, Nueva Vizcaya.
What makes this graduation particularly promising is the expectation that these Smart Farmers will become agents of change within their communities. They are poised to share their acquired knowledge, creating a network of informed farmers who can collectively contribute to the advancement of agriculture in the region.
The School on the Air mass graduation stands as a beacon of hope for the future of agriculture in Nueva Vizcaya. The commitment of these Smart Farmers to continuous learning and sharing sets a precedent for the transformative power of education in fostering a resilient and thriving farming community.
