The graduating farmers get ready to claim the fruit of hard work after 14 weeks of learning.
SAN JOSE, Antique – After 14 weeks, 551 Antiqueño Farmers received their Certificates of Completion at the Barangay San Pedro Gymnasium as part of the culmination activity of the School-on-the-Air on Integrated Pest Management that ran from June 8-September 22, 2022 aired over DYKA 801kHz, ATI Western Visayas’ FB Page, and ATI Region 6’ YouTube Channel.
The highlight of the activity is naming the 15 Top Performing Participants of every municipality who received a Certificate of Recognition and one unit of 16L Knapsack Sprayer each. They are as follows:
- Ma. Jessica A. Atilano, Anini-y
- Raymond E. Nacionales, Barbaza
- Remwel Cinco, Belison
- Eduardo S. Lavega, Bugasong
- Gilge F. Ferranco, Caluya
- Jossel B. Patricio, Culasi
- Eufrosina Jumarito, Hamtic
- Marilyn B. Abundo, Laua-an
- Rosa Geronimo, Libertad
- Benito B. Bogoy, Pandan
- Jaypee M. Mariano, Patnongon
- Ceferina R. Gonzaga, San Jose
- Eugenia V. Moya, San Remigio
- Delaila Galono, Sibalom
- Ma. Lucy Ganacias, Tobias Fornier
Vice Governor Ed Denosta, Head of the Committee on Agriculture in Antique, expressed his happiness for the graduates. He proudly cited that the province is sufficient for rice production, which the Provincial Government is grateful to the farmers. He also reported that Antique has the highest number of recipients of the RCEF-RFFA, providing Php5,000 for every farmer.
While Provincial Agriculturist Nicolasito Calawag welcomed the guests and participants of the activity, he acknowledged the efforts of the farmer participants to attend school even though they were busy on their respective farms.
SOA Graduating Farmers from Culasi, Bugasong, and Sibalom showcased their talents through intermission numbers.
Florepe M. Mortalla, OIC-Section Chief of Information Services, delivered her acknowledgment to the participating municipalities. “This is my first time to attend the SOA Graduation in Antique, and I felt the cooperation, camaraderie, and teamwork of everyone,” she added.
The School-on-the-Air uses radio as the primary medium and social media as alternative information channels regarding Integrated Pest Management (IPM). Knowledge of the several measures for managing and dealing with rice pests is now in the minds of Antiqueño farmers. When farmers understand the connection between the rice crop and its biotic factors that affect its growth and agroecosystem and identify the correct pests through the IPM, they can produce the same or even higher quality yield.
This endeavor is under the extension services of the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (RCEF).
