To expand the agricultural services, activities, technologies, and advisories in and outside the region using the new media, the Department of Agriculture – Caraga’s communication arm, the Regional Agriculture and Fisheries Information Section (RAFIS), inaugurated today the DA- Broadcast Studio in conjunction with the launching of the online live streaming platform called Agrikultura sa Caraga Online.

The Blessing of the Studio was held first which was attended by Regional Executive Director Abel James I. Monteagudo, Regional Technical Director Nicandro Navia Jr., and RTD Rebecca R. Atega, the Division and Section Chiefs of the regional office, and representatives from attached agencies from the Philippine Crop Insurance Corporation (PCIC) and Agricultural Training Institute (ATI).

This was then followed by a live viewing of the Agrikultura sa Caraga Online’s first program called Bahandi sa Kaumahan where RED Monteagudo serves as the guest. DA Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) OIC Regional Director Dr. Nilo Katada and DA-Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice-Agusan) Supervising Research Specialist Dr. Genevive Nemeño also attended the live viewing.

In his message, RED Monteagudo highlighted the importance of having this kind of initiatives as it does not just help boost the programs, policies, initiatives of the department but its attached agencies as well, reaching more farming and fishing communities in Caraga region and even beyond.

RAFIS Chief Emmylou Presilda also expressed her gratitude for the utmost support of the department for the establishment of the Broadcast Studio.”As a starter, we will be launching a teleradyo format program that will be live-streamed through our official Facebook page but we are hopeful that we will be able to establish a full-fledged radio channel soon so that we could cater to more and more audience…one day we will dominate the airwaves in Caraga Region,” Presilda said.

Moreover, Agriculture Secretary Dr. William D. Dar gave his support through a video message, “I am delighted with your initiatives which is anchored on our Key Strategies for 2021, this is one of the highlights of your public service as you give value to the communication initiatives of the department for the development of the agriculture sector in the country,” Dar said.

To complete the celebration, a celebratory toast was initiated by RTD Nicandro Navia.

The Agrikultura sa Caraga Online will air every Mondays to Fridays, this is composed of 5 programs such as the Bahandi sa Kaumahan; Teknolohiya sa AgriCOOLtura, Storyahan Ta! of the Research Division; Kabataang AGRIsibo, Progresibo, a youth-oriented show; Palay at Teknolohiya, Palaywakin Pa of the DA-PhilRice; and Agri-Ka sa Negosyo of the Agribusiness and Marketing Assistance Division. (Kent Warren H. Fugoso/DA-13 RAFIS)