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

NEWS STORIES

SOA on mycotoxin graduates 99 farmers
by Erwin S. Embuscado (February 17, 2006)
The Bureau of Postharvest Research and Extension (BPRE) in collaboration with the Department of Agriculture-Regional Field Unit X (DA-RFU X) and the Local Government Unit of Bukidnon had recently concluded the School-on-the Air (SOA) on Mycotoxin in Bukidnon. Among the 120 farmer-enrollees, 99 were confirmed as graduates during the graduation rites held at Malaybalay City last November 15.


BPRE Deputy Executive Director Jose B. Santos, who served as guest speaker during the graduation rites said that, 'what the graduates have learned will surely help them optimize their corn production because they are already aware of the hazardous effect of mycotoxins.'


Santos also emphasized that enormous problems occurred during the postharvest operation and not on the production stage. 'Knowing the enemy, fighting the enemy, and conquering the enemy are the important elements in our battle against mycotoxins,' he added.


Mycotoxins are poisonous substance produced by molds on food and feeds. Bukidnon was selected as the pilot area for the SOA because it is a corn-producing area and many farmers are not aware of mycotoxin. Hence, creating awareness on the mycotoxin menace is essential to safeguard the people.


One of the highlights was the awarding of the first, second and third honors who received their plaque of recognition. The top15 graduates were also given hybrid corn seeds, while the rest received their certificates of attendance.


The selection was based on the farmer-students performance in the series of quizzes and final evaluation given by the program host during the course of the activity.


'The SOA is an innovative strategy of educating our farmers through radio bringing school into their own homes with least cost and at their convenience,' said Dr. Carminia Ramos, BPRE's Applied Communication Division Chief.


Present during the occasion were Mr. Amie Gabriel Lanayan, the Provincial Agriculture Officer; Mr. Anacleto Macias, who represented Governor Jose Ma. Zubiri, Executive Assistant Rafael Flores representing Mayor Florencio Flores of Malaybalay City, Municipal and City Agricultural Officers of the province, agricultural technicians and other local leaders.


The said SOA run for two months and aired over DXDB radio station in Malaybalay City every Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at 5:00-5:30 in the morning. Ms. Lilith Turan hosted the program. It is an integration of the bureau's Search for Outstanding Information Campaign on Mycotoxin held early this year.


After the SOA's success in Bukidnon, BPRE plans to continue the said activity in collaboration with other DA- Regional Information Offices in the country who are interested to conduct such activity.