Republic of the Philippines
DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
Philippine Center for Postharvest
Development and Mechanization
CLSU Compound, Science City of Muñoz, Nueva Ecija

NEWS STORIES

RAFID-DA-RFU VII tops Search for Most Outstanding Info Campaign on Mycotoxins
by Karen Mei R. Cariaga (August 19, 2005)
The Bureau of PostharvestResearch and Extension(BPRE) has launched the Search for Most Outstanding Information Campaign on Mycotoxin to address the hazards of the silent killer, mycotoxin. Best three implementors were honored during the bureau's 27th anniversary on May 26, 2005 at the Science City of Muñoz, Nueva Ecija.


Mycotoxin is a poisonous and carcinogenic substance produced by molds on food and feeds. It posts health and economic hazards, thus, massive information campaign to block its entry into the food chain is called for.


The Regional Agriculture and Fishery Information Division (RAFID) of the Department of Agriculture-REgional Field Unit VII (DA-RAFID VII) in Cebu City ranked first among nine contenders. DA-RFU X in Cagayan de Oro City emerged second while DA-RFU CAR was adjudged third. The winners received trophies and cash prizes of P30,000, P20,000 and P10,000, respectively.


Selection was based on strategy, resourcefulness, execution of communication plan and effectiveness of the campaign.


The RAFID of DA-RFU VII covers the provinces of Cebu, Negros Oriental, Bohol and Siquijor with 125 municipalities and seven cities. Among the strategies they used for the campaign were retooling of agricultural technicians, translation of English mycotoxin primer to Visayan dialect, production of IEC materials, putting up of billboards and preparation of press releases to local media. They also did School-on-the-air, film showings to agricultural leaders and conducted researches on the postharvest practices of farmers. Interpersonal communication was also tapped to effectively employ awareness to the farmers.


On the other hand, the RAFID of DA-RFU X in Cagayan de Oro City, covers the provinces of Bukidnon, Misamis Occidental, Misamis Oriental, Camiguin and Lanao del Norte. The division produced various communication materials and published mycotoxin information in the quarterly Sabwag Wallnewspaper, Bugtaw Newsletter, Weekly Aggie Update and Brodkast Digest. They also produced posters and put up exhibits. They also prepared press releases and conducted regular radio broadcasts.


The RAFID of DA-RFU CAR, meanwhile, covers the provinces of Abra, Apayao, Benguet, Ifugao, Kalinga and Mountain Province. During the six-month campaign, they were able to produce mycotoxin brochures and broadcast digests. They also provided press releases to local media. Other activities conducted were the pre-awareness and post-evaluation surveys on mycotoxin, planning workshops and provincial and municipal briefings. Karen Mei R. Cariaga