The PalayAralan sa Radyo is back through a solid partnership with the Department of Agriculture, its attached agencies, and the Local Government Units.
BAROTAC NUEVO, Iloilo – The School-on-the-Air on Smart Rice Agriculture (SOA-SRA) launched its third season last March 14, 2023, at the INA Farmers Learning Site and Agri-Farm. ATI Region 6, with partner agencies from the Department of Agriculture and local government units, renewed their Pledge of Commitment during the event.
Attendees include Department of Agriculture – Western Visayas OIC-Chief of RAFID and SOA-SRA Anchor James Earl Ogatis on behalf of Regional Executive Director Jose Albert Barrogo; Nicolasita Gallego, SOA-SRA Project Officer and Regional Coordinator from ATI Region 6, DA Philmech consultant Dr. Rodolfo Estigoy; Rene Valdez on behalf of Leo Sta. Ines of DA Philrice Negros; April Grace Padilla of PIA Region 6; and representatives from the Office of the Provincial Agriculturist of Capiz, Iloilo, Guimaras, and Negros Occidental.
Mary Ann Ramos, ATI Region 6 Officer-in-Charge, welcomed everyone and emphasized that adapting to change and technologies became challenging in learning and development. However, the media, specifically the crucial reach of radio, paved the way for the success of distance learning.
Partner agencies gave their messages of support during the launching program.
“DA Western Visayas believes in the impact of SOA-SRA. We are happy this program continues to empower our rice farmers through radio. The sustained efforts of our Agricultural Extension Workers involved are commendable. Their dedication to playing the canned episodes for the benefit of farmers is what keeps us going. DA Western Visayas Management extend their support to this undertaking,” emphasized Ogatis during his message.
An updated Western Visayas Rice Situationer was presented by Regional Rice Report Officer Reynold Dequino, wherein data shows that as of 2022, Western Visayas is overall rice sufficient at 133.78. In the country, Region 6 ranked third in rice production and second in area harvested as of 2022. However, Region 6 is not in the top ten regions with the most yields. A factor attributed to this result includes the ratio of farmer per agricultural extension worker as 252:1. Due to this ratio, information dissemination is hampered.
“Our partnership must strengthen so we can provide ample information to farmers, especially those in far-flung areas,” rationalized Dequino.
Partnerships of involved agencies proved effective as per the observation of Dr. Estigo of Philmech, emphasizing that the SOA is a ‘potent way of educating the farmers’ and that the collaboration of agencies in the implementation of SOA-SRA is truly ‘admirable’. “Together, we can do better,” he concludes.
ATI Region 6, with all partner agencies, renewed their pledge to support the program and abide by the roles and responsibilities assigned to their respective organization at the end of the ceremony.
“It is an honor for us [at ATI] to be with you again in this new Season of SOA-SRA. We thank all the partner agencies, organizations, and groups behind the implementation of SOA-SRA, especially our Local Government Units. All of this would not be possible without your active support, “expressed ATI Director Remelyn R. Recoter in her pre-recorded message.
Dubbed “PalayAralan sa Radyo: Makagabag-o nga Pagpanguma sa Kahanginan”, SOA-SRA targets to air over 30 episodes this season, a deviation from the prescribed 28 episodes of the SOA-SRA Module, to maximize information and knowledge dissemination for the benefit of all listeners.
The program will air on partner radio stations across Aklan, Capiz, Iloilo, Negros Occidental, and Guimaras starting in April 2023.
