TRECE MARTIRES CITY, Cavite – The Agricultural Training Institute(ATI), the Department of Agriculture’s lead provider in e-extension services, will launch its school-on-air (SOA) program, themed “Unlad Saka: Isang Radyo Eskwela sa Bondoc Peninsula” in Catanauan, Quezon on June 19.
As one of ATI’s flagship programs, the SOA offers distance learning education on the complete package of technology on agriculture and fisheries related subject matter through a series of radio programs.
ATI Region IV-A Information Services Section Chief Dr. Rolando V. Maningas said on Friday that the launch date was agreed upon during the first of a series of consultative meetings with Municipal Agriculturists and Agricultural Technologists from Quezon province’s Bondoc Peninsula (BonPen) composed of 12 municipalities held in Catanauan, Quezon last April 23.
The meeting was also held to know and provide the needs of potential learners in SOA before the launch date.
“Nakapag-SOA na tayo dito sa area ng BonPen three years ago sa corn, (we have conducted SOA in this area of BonPen 3 years ago, for corn), and the meeting was held to ensure that the difficulties encountered before regarding the program’s implementation are somehow addressed and improved, Maningas said.
At the meeting, Jamila Monette B. Balmeo, in-charge of SOA High Value Crops (HVC), presented a brief overview of SOA along with the agenda.
Possible radio station, day and time of airing were also suggested during the meeting, as well as the agreed target number of learners for the 12 municipalities, namely Agdangan, Buenavista, Catanauan, General Luna, Macalelon, Mulanay, Padre Burgos, Pitogo, San Andres, San Francisco, San Narciso and Unisan.
Maningas said the lined-up of topics and radio teachers were filled “but we still need to process, for conformity procedures and we will announce the final details once available.”
The topics will focus mainly on commodities cacao, calamansi, uni and banana, which are BonPen’s major crops.
The ‘distance course’ may include enhancing mechanisms or tools such as Short Messaging System (SMS), internet, telephone, among others and enrolled listeners are to take daily lessons on air that usually last from 15 to 30 minutes and quizzes are given after every lesson or set of lessons.
The ATI network of training centers are conducting SOA in their respective areas on the banner commodity programs of the DA which includes Organic Agriculture Program and done in collaboration with the DA-Regional Field Offices, local radio stations and partner agencies.
Successful learners will be given training certificates after completion. (PNA)
