Farmers, Agri workers finish DA School-on-Air Course

IBA, Zambales — About 509 farmers and agricultural workers recently completed a course on sustainable rice production via the School-on-Air (SOA) program of Department of Agriculture (DA).

In his message to the participants, Agriculture Assistant Secretary for Fields Operations and Concurrent National Director for Rice and Corn Program Edilberto De Luna cited the importance of the program to equip farmers and agricultural workers on the latest farming technology specifically on rice production.

“We must train our farmers to be experts not only in rice production, but also in producing various types of commodities through our farmer field school and SOA. By educating them, we can ensure that they will become our partners, as well as their respective local government units (LGUs) in the delivery of extension services to the public,” De Luna stressed.

He also encouraged agencies and LGUs to utilize the various media platforms available to efficiently deliver modern technology and developments in agriculture and fishery to a wider range of farmers and fisherfolks.

“We make use of all available means in order to ensure that whatever new knowledge and developments there are in agriculture and fishery will be delivered to more through various media. Now, we use the power of the radio because we believe that besides traditional extension approach this medium will greatly help in our communication advocacy,” De Luna added.

SOA is a collaboration of DA Regional Field Office III and Agricultural Training Institute Regional Training Center III.

The course ran from May to September 2015. (PIA 3)