The School–on-the–Air—Smart Rice Agriculture (SOA-SRA) program was formulated to enhance the modernization of agriculture sector by sharing knowledge and skills to Filipino rice farmers through modern and innovative technologies of Climate-Smart Rice agriculture.
SOA-SRA is now being aired in all rice growing provinces, especially in the provinces with less than 4 tons/ha yield of harvest. In order to strengthen the broadcast of learning materials in the regions, ATI-Regional Training Centers partnered with local radio stations from their respective provinces as well as DA-Regional Field Offices, Local Government Units and other regional offices of partner agencies and as of late May 2021, there are about seven regions that had officially launched the program in the provinces.
However, this program needs more support and improvements in order to reach those unreachable farmers and teach them more lessons regarding how to improve their rice farming practices which will help to boost the rice production of the country.
On August 21, 2023 , ATI-RTC-CAR staff headed by OIC training center Mr. Maximino R. Aromin Jr. went to Abra to conduct a Results Evaluation Study (Batch 1) through One-on-One interview with the Graduates of SOA-SRA program. The said activity was held In different municipalities in Abra namely, Pidigan, San Isidro, Bangued, Lapaz, Lagayan, Lagangilang, San Juan, Boliney, Manabo, Villaviciosa and San Quintin and a total of 165 graduates and additional of 11 SOA-SRA coordinators were interviewed in the whole week.
This activity will help the program to gather the insights and recommendations of the graduates about the program which will be the basis for improvements. Also, with this activity the graduates-respondents may express their feelings and tell what they really need. The answered questionnaires are being process in the ATI-RTC-CAR.
According to Mr. Maximino R. Aromin Jr. the results of this evaluation has huge impact on the program, he asked the community to become more precise and honest in answering those questions. If the results will go downside, then there is a possibility to stop the program and look for other solutions. However, if the results will be good then the program will continue and we keep improving it based on the answers of the farmers-graduates. //Jobert M. Millare, ASIST Intern, BSA Major in Agricultural Extension.
