500 farmers across the province of Northern Samar graduated from the School-on-the-Air (SOA) on Rice-Based Integrated Farming System during a ceremony held on July 22, 2025, at the Provincial Capitol Gym in Catarman. The graduates came from the municipalities of Allen, Catarman, Catubig, Gamay, Lope de Vega, Mapanas, Rosario, San Antonio, San Jose, and Silvino Lubos.
The event recognized the achievements of top-performing students, with Ms. Marilyn M. Demata, a rice farmer from San Jose, named Valedictorian, and Ms. Agnes Bautista from Catarman as Salutatorian. In her valedictory speech, Ms. Demata shared that the SOA taught her that diversifying farms by raising livestock and planting vegetables and cash crops alongside rice could significantly improve a farmer's income while waiting for the rice harvest. Other achievers honored during the ceremony included Mr. Juancho S. Amaro, Mr. Abundio B. Robiano, Mr. Eusebio G. Garay, Ms. Leticia H. Benesisto, Mr. Ronel L. Longcop, Ms. Imelda M. Dela Cerna, Mr. Elmer B. Abria, and Mr. Jowen R. Celajes.
The SOA is a radio-based distance learning program that aims to equip farmers with knowledge on rice production integrated with high-value crops, vegetables, and livestock. This initiative responds to the pressing challenges faced by rice farmers in Eastern Visayas, including low returns, high input costs, and climate impacts, advocating diversification as a strategy to boost income and resilience in farming communities.
