Schooling on dairy buffalo production is set to air on the radio at Cebu Technological University’s (CTU) Tuburan campus following a tripartite Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) signed on August 29.
This MOA between the DA-PCC at Ubay Stock Farm (DA-PCC at USF), CTU, and First Consolidated Cooperative Along Tañon Seaboards (FCCT) outlines the launch of “Eskwelahan sa Kahanginan (School-On-Air)-A Radio Broadcast on Dairy Buffalo Production,” aimed at addressing challenges faced by farmers in Tuburan, Cebu, and neighboring areas, such as the lack of quality forage, breeding knowledge, and dairy production expertise.
Engr. Naomi Bajao, Project Leader Proponent of CTU-Tuburan, explained that the radio program is part of the university’s community extension projects, with the First Consolidated Cooperative Along Tañon Seaboards (FCCT) as the target beneficiaries and technical support provided by the DA-PCC at USF.
Gaudioso Calibugan, the Senior Agriculturist of DA-PCC at USF, emphasized the importance of this partnership in spreading awareness about carabao dairying.
Recognizing the significance of collaboration, Magdaleno Bargamento, the CEO of FCCT, stressed the need for various individuals and professions to support farmers, be it through financial assistance, technology, or expertise.
Carla Y. Abaquita, the campus director of CTU-Tuburan, expressed her delight at the program’s launch, emphasizing the importance of sharing education and technology with farmers, which an important extension program of the university.
The campus has its FM radio station called “Bulawanong Tinubdan” or BT at 98.1 MHz affiliated with the Philippine Broadcasting Service (PBS), serving as an avenue for information dissemination and technology transfer.
In January 2021, the university launched the CTU & BT Radio Extension and Technology Transfer (BEATT) program, which serves as its information and technology dissemination arm.
Prof. Devonna Celedonio, chairperson of the university’s extension services, the initiative aims to bridge the gap between technologies developed and their actual application in the field.
Engr. Bajao, the main host of CTU BEATT radio show, said the “Eskwelahan sa Kahanginan” will air every Tuesday from 5:00-6:00 PM, consisting of 16 episodes starting on September 5, 2023. Attendance will be taken, and quizzes will be given during the broadcasts.
Dr. Maria Dinah Loculan, Center Director of DA-PCC at USF, challenged the town to develop a unique product from the carabao’s milk, leveraging the university’s research and development efforts.
Mardonio Benting, the chairperson of FCCT, expressed gratitude for the opportunity and support and wished for the project’s success.
The local government unit (LGU) of Tuburan, represented by Engr. Rowena Bernia, the municipal registrar, pledged full support, aligning with their goal of achieving food sustainability.
In addition to the MOA signing, FCCT and DA-PCC at USF provided a 32″ television and 20 radio receiver sets to CTU-Tuburan. Following the program’s launch, a live on-air interview hosted by Engr. Bajao and April Jean Edillon was conducted with key figures, further highlighting the importance of this initiative.
