By Ozanne Ono Allas
CANDABA, PAMPANGA–Members of the Bambang Multi-Purpose Cooperative(BMPC) graduated from the “Maparalang Ortelanu” School-on-the-Air (SOA) on Rice-based Technologies radio program at Brgy. Bambang, Candaba, Pampanga, February 09.
A total 35 farmers participated in the said radio program aired at DWRW 95.1 FM from October 2017 to January 2018. The SOA was made possible through the collaboration of Department of Agriculture Central Luzon with the Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice).
The SOA is one of DA’s distance learning on the complete package of technology of a commodity and other agriculture and fisheries related matter. It is a series of radio programs, presenting the subject matter systematically and in a progressive matter.
DA RFO3 Regional Executive Director Engr. Roy M. Abaya congratulated the graduates. “I am amazed with the dedication of our farmers. The Department strategies are towards the development of modern technologies in order to produce affordable and enough food for everyone. Through this radio program, we would be able to introduced innovative farming technologies that may help to lower production cost thus increase farmers’ profit.” said Abaya
Abaya also recognized Simplicia Salvador, 82 year-old farmer, who graduated from the radio program.
“Marami po akong natutunan sa pagpapalay lalo na kung paano maalis ang mga peste sa pamamagitan ng pakikinig ng radio.” Salvador stated
BMPC Chairman Baltazar Payawal, Jr. thanked the regional office for conducting the SOA particularly to their cooperative.
“Ako ay nagpapasalamat sa DA ito po ang kaunaunahang SOA program dito sa Pampanga. Sana magkaroon pa po ng ganitong mga programa na handog sa aming mga magsasaka.” Payawal exclaimed
Special awards were also given to selected graduates who have shown exemplary performance: Jerico M. Angulo as Most Active Participant, Charles S. Gallardo as Most Highest Average and Armando G. Urbano as Most Highest Knowledge Gained.###