CATBALOGAN CITY, Samar - In a bid to uplift the livelihoods of coconut farmers in Samar, the Agricultural Training Institute – Regional Training Center VIII launched the radio program entitled School on the Air (SOA) on Coconut: Masaganang Coco-buhayan: Radyo Eskwela sa Pagniniyugan. The program aired every Monday from April 29 to June 5, 2024, comprising of 16 episodes, over DYMS Aksyon Radyo – Catbalogan and were telecast live on Facebook. The 16-episode series covered a broad spectrum of topics essential for modern coconut farming, including Executive Order No. 172 (Coconut Farmers and Industry Development Plan), Cultural Management of Coconuts, Intercropping Technologies, Farm Animal Integration, Processing Technologies, and Coconut Farm Enterprise.
A total of 531 farmers from 15 municipalities across Samar, namely: Basey, Calbayog City, Calbiga, Hinabangan, Marabut, Matuguinao, Motiong, Paranas, Pinabacdao, San Jose de Buan, San Sebastian, Sta. Rita, Tarangnan, and Villareal—graduated from the program. They proudly received their certificates during the mass graduation ceremony on July 10, 2024, at Tandaya Hall, Catbalogan City, Samar, marking the successful completion of the radio program. Ms. Jorly Y. Ricacho from Marabut was named Valedictorian, with Mr. Olegario C. Nerio Sr. from Gandara as Salutatorian, and eight other farmers received honors for their outstanding performance.
Graduates shared heartfelt testimonials highlighting the program’s significant impact on their agricultural practices and livelihoods.
“I am thankful that there are many of us here today and that I was given the time to speak in front of you. From April until July, we are grateful to ATI, especially the expert speakers, who taught us best practices on coconut production and processing,” said Pureza E. Gabriela from Tarangnan. She emphasized the value of learning intercropping and processing techniques, which enabled her to diversify her coconut products beyond copra.
“I would like to thank ATI for conducting the SOA on Coconut here in the province of Samar. I learned a lot about coconut farming,” added Prescila T. Almaden from Villareal. She also expressed hope that the program would continue to help more farmers.
Ms. Ma. Soledad E. Ocenar, one of the SOA facilitators from Tarangnan, expressed her sincerest gratitude for the opportunity to participate in the program. She emphasized, “SOA has been immensely beneficial to our local coconut farmers, providing them with essential information and practical skills that will undoubtedly contribute to improving their agricultural practices and enhancing overall productivity.”
The program did face challenges, such as the delayed distribution of radio sets. Facilitators addressed this by providing alternative ways for farmers to access the episodes, including online viewing on Facebook Live and playback using Bluetooth speakers.
The SOA aimed to provide participants access to information on CFIDP and coconut-related technologies. With the continued support of ATI and local government units, the future looks promising for the coconut farmers of Samar.
