In an effort to enhance the knowledge and skills of coconut farmers, the School-on-the-Air (SOA) on Coconut Production and Processing was officially launched in Pamplona, Cagayan last May 28, 2024.

The program is under the CFIDP and initiated by the Agricultural Training Institute Region 2 in collaboration with the DA Regional Field Office 02, Philippine Coconut Authority, Office of the Provincial Agriculturist and the participating Municipalities from the District 2 of the Province of Cagayan. The launching program  was attended by partner agencies and coconut farmers from the region.

Dubbed as “Masaganang COCO-buhayan: Radyo Eskwela sa Pagniniyugan,”  the SOA on Coconut Production and Processing enrolled 500 coconut farmers from the District 2 of the Cagayan province who will be educated on the use of integrated crop management for coconut production; and adopt and sustain use of coconut intercropping/integration and processing technologies.

The "School on the Air for Coconut" program will feature a series of radio broadcasts covering a wide range of topics, including Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) for Coconut, Pest and Disease Management, Intercropping Technologies, Farm Animals Integration, Processing Technologies (Food and Non-Food) and Farm Enterprise.

The program also employs a participatory approach where farmers can tune in, participate in discussions, and even receive recognition and rewards for their engagement. This approach not only disseminates knowledge but also fosters a sense of community and collaboration among coconut farmers.

Five Hundred coconut farmers from the Municipalities of Abulug, Ballesteros, Claveria,  Lasam, Pamplona, Sanchez Mira and Santa Praxedes officially enrolled in this program and are set to complete the SOA for 17 weeks from June 6, 2024 to September 26, 2024.

The said launching has also paved the way for signing the pledge of commitment among the implementing agencies and partners. Radio sets were also awarded and turned-over to farmer-enrolees during the launching program. 

The School-on-the-Air program will air over DWPE Radyo Pilipinas 729kHz (5:30-6:00 AM, Thursday), Radyo Kalugaran 97.7 MHz FM Claveria (12:30-1:00 PM, Thursday), Radyo Santa106.3 FM (6:30-7:00 AM, Thursday), DZDA 105.3 MHz FM of DA-RFO 02 (12:30-1:00 PM, Friday), and DWTS Timek ti Sta. Teresita 99.5 FM (9:30-10:0 AM Tuesday and 7:30-8:00 AM Saturday), as well as ATI Region 2 and DA Region 2 Facebook Pages (12:30-1:00 PM on Friday).