312 Farmer-Students Complete UOA on High-Value Crops Production

Tacloban City- The tripartite partnership of the Department of Agriculture Region 8, the Provincial Government of Leyte and the East-West Seed Philippines successfully conducted the Culminating Activity of the University-on-the-Air on High-Value Crops Production with Special Feature on Integrated Farming System last February 17, 2012 at the Leyte Sports Development Center with three-hundred twelve graduates.

Keynote Speaker Director Noel O. Reyes of the Agriculture and Fisheries Information Service (AFIS) DA- Central Office exhorted all farmer-students to make the most of their learning in the UOA and produce the best vegetables. He also reiterated Gov. Petilla’s suggestion to integrate values formation, basic accounting and marketing strategies in the module of every UOA broadcast course.

For his part, Director Gerundio stressed that there is a need to develop the self-confidence and sustain the enthusiasm of the farmer-students. “Farming is the most sacred of all professions mainly because farmers are the ones feeding the people. This is not just a way of life. Hence, we have to change our system, mode of delivery and system of thinking,” he added.

All speakers believe that high-value crops production is a good source of livelihood. They also urged the farmers to venture into jackfruit production. Mr. Roy Ribo, HVCDP Visayas Area Coordinator, revealed that Region 8 is being groomed as the Jackfruit Capital of the Philippines and that the region has the sweetest and the most delicious jackfruit in the country. Dr. Wolfreda Alesna of the Visayas State University added that there will be a Jackfruit Festival in June at VSU, Baybay City as part of the advocacy to strengthen the fruit industry.

Meanwhile, Governor Carlos Jericho Petilla in his inspirational message encouraged the farmers to focus on the marketing of their products. He also urged the men and women behind the UOA to consider bringing the program on live TV. “We will be in radio forever, but maybe we can put UOA on TV, “he enthused.

After the messages, the distribution of diplomas and medals followed. Three-hundred twelve farmer-students were confirmed graduates by Dir. Reyes.

As part of the culminating activity, there was a dialogue with the guests, DA Officials and partner NGOs and LGUs. Mr. Portula, Dr. Berenguer and Dr. Orais answered the queries of the farmers. Mr. Francisco C. Rosaroso, Chief of RAFID, served as the moderator.

The event was wrapped up with presentations of talented participants from different municipalities and a raffle draw. The farmer-students went home with freebies, prizes and most importantly, their diplomas – a manifestation of the profound knowledge they gained from the broadcast course.

The said activity was also graced by other prominent personalities namely, Mayor Remedios “Matin” Petilla of Palo, Leyte, Manager Babes F. Custodio of DYVL Aksyon Radyo, Mr. Ronald Tolentino of East-West Seed Philippines, Provincial Agriculturist Rogelio O. Portula, DA-8 HVCDP Coordinator Dr. Veronica J. Berenguer and Livestock Program Coordinator Dr. Andrew T. Orais. (Calesterio, R.Q.)