BAKUN, Benguet – The School on the Air (SOA) on Cacao Program of the Department of Agriculture (DA) successfully concluded its practicum phase in Bakun, Benguet, marking the culmination of a comprehensive training initiative conducted from September 10 to 17, 2024. This practicum represents a significant component of measuring the learning increment of farmer-enrollees, reflecting their acquired knowledge and skills over the past three months.
Enrollees, who had previously engaged in online lectures delivered by Subject Matter Specialists (SMS), participated in hands-on activities across various locations. The practicum activity started in Bokod, continued through Kapangan, Tublay, and Sablan, and concluded in Bakun.
During the practicum, participants performed essential tasks including farm maintenance, pest and disease identification, and grafting. Each activity was accompanied by a series of evaluative questions posed by the SMS, contributing to their overall practicum evaluation. The practicum was administered by Rolando Renegado and Albert Jay Lab-oyan from the DA’s High Value Crops and Development Program, Frederick Sabaway and Roldan Calag of the Regional Crop Protection Center, and Rogelio Custodio from the Bureau of Plant Industry.
In addition to the practicum, enrollees undertook a post-test using the same set of questions from their pre-test to gauge the knowledge acquired throughout the SOA program.
Hon. Alfredo B. Dacumos, Jr., Mayor of Sablan, lauded the initiative, highlighting its significance in expanding the province’s agricultural diversity. He emphasized the potential of cacao as a growing industry, which can bridge gaps in the supply chain and create employment opportunities while promoting a culture of excellence in local product quality.
Feedback from the enrollees underscored the value of the practicum experience, describing it as the most exciting segment of the SOA Program. They appreciated the opportunity to apply their theoretical knowledge in practical scenarios and to engage directly with SMS for further clarification.
A graduation ceremony to formally recognize the achievements of the program’s participants is scheduled on October 9, 2024. This event will celebrate the successful completion of the SOA on Cacao Program. By Leny D. Mendoza
