The Agricultural Training Institute (ATI) in MIMAROPA launched the School-on-the-Air (SOA) on Coconut with the theme “Masaganang Coco-buhayan: Radyo Eskwela sa Pagniniyugan” on July 4, 2023 at the Simple Living Hotel, Odiongan, Romblon.
The activity aimed to inform the enrollees about the background, mechanics, and modules of the SOA-Coconut program.
Center Director Pat Andrew B. Barrientos, M.M., J.D. of ATI-MIMAROPA graced the activity. His message emphasized the importance of the SOA program in promoting the initiatives of the Coconut Farmers and Industry Development Plan (CFIDP) and ensuring that many coconut farmers are aware of the programs brought by CFIDP.
Dir. Barrientos also encouraged the SOA enrollees to register with the National Coconut Farmers and Registry Systems (NCFRS) and form a farmers' association to quickly obtain interventions or support from the CFIDP implementing agencies. Moreover, he informed them about the other programs of the Department of Agriculture and its attached bureaus that will surely help coconut farmers.
The highlight of the launching was the signing of the Pledge of Commitment among ATI, partner agencies, and participating LGUs.
Said event was attended by the partner agencies from the Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA)-MIMAROPA in the presence of Regional Manager III Bibiano C. Concibido, Jr. along with Provincial Director Antipas Naorbe of PCA-Romblon; Department of Trade and Industry represented by Provincial Director Noel R.D. Flores together with Mr. Orville Mallorca; Technical Education and Skills Development Authority represented by Provincial Training Center Administrator Manuel Rabulan; Provincial Agriculture Office-Romblon in the presence of Provincial Agriculturist Engr. Al F. Fetalver; Municipal Agriculturists, Agricultural Extension Workers, and Municipal Coordinators from the participating municipalities of Odiongan, Looc, Calatrava, San Agustin, Alcantara, and San Andres.
With 500 enrollees, the SOA-Coconut will be aired on 101.3 FM Radyo Natin Odiongan and 104.5 FM Radyo Natin Looc every Wednesday and Friday from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM, starting from July 5, 2023 until September 8, 2023.
