244 farmers graduate from DA-WV’s School-on-Air on corn production

A total of 244 corn farmers from the towns of Batad, San Rafael, San Dionisio, and Barotac Viejo proudly completed the School-on-Air (SOA) program on sustainable corn farming practices, hosted by the Department of Agriculture (DA) Western Visayas. The graduation ceremony took place at the Barotac Viejo Covered Gym on November 8, 2024, where the graduates celebrated their newfound knowledge, technical skills, and enhanced outlook on farming.

Over the one-month course, DA Western Visayas, through its Regional Agriculture and Fisheries Information Section (RAFIS), developed a curriculum tailored to address key issues in corn production, with a particular focus on pest and disease management. This endeavor support the recently concluded Farmers’ Field School (FFS) on Corn Production, reinforcing knowledge and practical applications for local farmers. Expert lecturers from the Regional Corn Program, Research Division, and Regional Crop Protection Center led sessions on Integrated Pest Management, sustainable corn farming practices, and strategies for managing the fall armyworm- a particularly challenging pest for corn farmers in the region.

DA-WV Regional Technical Director for Research and Regulations Dir. Zarlina B. Cuello, attended the event, emphasizing the importance of boosting corn production in Iloilo’s 5th district, particularly in top-producing municipalities like Lemery, San Rafael, and Barotac Viejo. “There is a critical need to adopt biocontrol agents for sustainable farm management and to cluster small corn farmers for improved market access,” Cuello remarked. She highlighted the DA’s clustering approach, which promotes product consolidation and market linkage for small-scale farmers, and stressed the value of integrating corn farming with the livestock industry as the livestock bill gains priority within the government’s agenda.

The graduates expressed satisfaction with the comprehensive program, especially appreciating the practical guidance on pest management and sustainable techniques. Outstanding farmers, including Ramil Espole from San Dionisio, Christine Vistal from Barotac Viejo, Noriel Locsin from Batad, and Arnold Balairos from San Rafael, conveyed their gratitude to DA-WV. “It’s encouraging to feel recognized and valued as farmers,” Vistal shared. Espole added that the SOA program “opened new opportunities and strengthened [their] commitment to sustainable farming.”

RAFIS Chief James Earl Ogatis expressed his gratitude for the support from the Municipal Agriculture Offices of each participating municipality and the dedication of all Agricultural Technicians who guided farmers from enrollment to assessments. Ogatis noted that the program’s success relied on strong local support and a commitment to empowering farmers.

In addition to receiving certificates of completion, graduates were rewarded with corn seeders and other prizes from a raffle and fun activities, leaving the event with both practical tools and a stronger sense of community within the local agriculture sector.### (DA-RAFIS 6) Photos by MSubang & CLauresta