Outstanding graduate embodies the transformative impact of SOA-SRA program on farmers

In a ceremony held recently at May’s Organic Garden in Bacolod City, the Agricultural Training Institute Regional Training Center VI (ATI-RTC) in collaboration with the Department of Agriculture Western Visayas (DA-WV) and Negros Occidental Office of the Provincial Agriculture, celebrated the graduation of 714 rice farmers who completed the School-on-Air on Smart Rice Agriculture (SOA-SRA) program. This event shone the spotlight on the profound impact of the program on the graduates, as exemplified by one outstanding student who encapsulated the essence of their shared journey.

Argie Fernando, a young farmer hailing from Pulupandan, Negros Occidental stood before his fellow graduates to share his thoughts on how the SOA-SRA program had transformed his perspective and farming practices. He emphasized the significant role farmers play in ensuring the nation’s sustenance and food security.

“This program has been a game-changer for me, making me a more effective and productive farmer. It not only equipped me with new techniques but also introduced me to modern farming technologies and approaches. Most farmers, including myself, believe in the saying ‘to see is to believe.’ That’s why this education has been valuable to me. I have not only personally benefited from this training, but I am also committed to sharing these newfound insights with my fellow farmers. I am profoundly thankful for this opportunity, which has played an important role in my journey towards becoming a better farmer,” the young farmer shared.

The ceremony placed the spotlight on twenty outstanding rice farmer participants who symbolized the collective achievements of the 714 graduates in Negros Occidental. These exceptional individuals were recognized for their exemplary dedication and performance throughout the SOA-SRA program, which ran from June to September 2023. Prizes such as spades, solar-powered radios, and grass cutters were distributed to them as a token of appreciation for their remarkable contributions to the agricultural community.

The SOA-SRA program, a collaborative effort between the Department of Agriculture-Regional Field Office VI, Philippine Rice Research Institute, and Philippine Information Agency, was aired every Tuesday from 8:00 AM to 9:00 AM via Radyo Negrense and other local municipal radio stations. Its primary goal was to empower farmers with the latest agricultural knowledge and practices, enabling them to thrive in a rapidly evolving industry.

During the event, the vital support of Local Government Units and provincial and municipal coordinators was acknowledged for their role in the program’s success. Graduates expressed their heartfelt gratitude for the program’s impact, emphasizing how the lessons learned had significantly elevated their farming practices and yielded higher production.

The SOA-SRA ceremonial mass graduation was not only a celebration of individual achievements but a testament to the program’s ability to catalyze positive change within the farming community. It underscored the importance of equipping farmers with the knowledge and skills needed to enhance food security and contribute to the nation’s agricultural growth. 

Argie Fernando’s life-changing journey serves as an inspiring example of how the SOA-SRA program is sowing the seeds of progress among farmers in Negros Occidental, ultimately yielding a bountiful harvest for the entire nation. # # 

Text and Photos by : Myleen S. Subang/DA-RAFIS 6