A total of 408 enrollees/students graduated from School On-the Air (SOA) on Rice Production and Mechanization. It comprised of farmers, agricultural extension workers (AEWs) and students. 257 graduated from the municipality of Taytay last October 25, 2016 while 151 from Roxas graduated last October 26, 2016.
Ms. Baby Clariza M. San Felipe, Regional Information Officer /School On-the Air Coordinator, confirmed and congratulated all the graduates on behalf of the Regional Executive Director, Atty. Cipriano G. Santiago, after they were presented as candidates for graduation by Ms. Eleonor N. Lotivo, School On-the Air Coordinator in the province.
Mr. Vicente Binasahan Jr., Agricultural Program Coordinating Officer (APCO) of North Palawan, graced the said event on his message, he emphasized the use of radio as the easiest and cheapest way of delivering information and technology to the target clients.
Graduates individually received their certificates. Top five (5) outstanding participants from each municipality were also recognized and received a medal and hat. For Taytay, they were: Ana Lorna P. Miclat, Benjamin dela Cruz, Herminio Cajada, Thelna Guinisan and Paz Ismaya. While from Roxas were: Agustin N. Navor, Anna Liza A. Ustarez, Lilia N. Navor, Nesie A. Manlave and Yolanda S. Caabay.
On behalf of all the graduates, Mr. Cajada, one of the outstanding participant from Taytay, thanked all the facilitators who worked hard for the success of the SOA. “Maraming salamat sa walang-sawang pagbibigay ng tulong sa aming maliliit na magsasaka, sa pagbibigay sa amin ng oras at panahon upang mabigyan at madagdagan ang aming kaalaman sa pagsasaka upang mapaunlad ang aming kabuhayan.”
Partners in the successful implementation of the program such as the LGUs of Taytay & Roxas and barangays, Municipal Agricultural Coordinators, and AEWs were also given appreciations.
There were raffles and either mobile phone or radio were given for those who were able to answer the questions raised correctly. This also to gauge the active participation of graduates and to test what they have gained from the 3-month long distance learning.
To close the program, Ms. San Felipe gave a message. She challenged all the graduates to put into practice what they have learned from the SOA. “Magkakaroon po tayo ng another SOA sa Rice Production at sa Corn Post-harvest and Mechanization, gusto ko po na sa kahit 10 to 20 sq. m lang ay maiaapply niyo ang inyong mapag-aaralan at bago mag-graduation ay magkakaroon tayo ng harvest festival” she added. She also said that she will coordinate with Rice and Corn banner program to provide them their needed seeds for their hands-on activity.
The SOA Program was broadcasted over radio station DWIZ 94.3 FM every Friday from 3:00 – 4:00 PM. It was anchored by Ms. Eleonor N. Lotivo and Ms. Eunice N. Teologo of Palawan Regional Experiment Station (PRES).
