The Department of Agriculture (DA) Western Visayas has taken a significant step towards enhancing community radio stations in the region through partnerships with universities and local government units. With a budget of P4,980,000.00 allocated through the Regional Rice Program, two state universities, and colleges (SUCs), and one local government unit will benefit from these initiatives.
The collaboration between the DA-WV and the West Visayas State University (WVSU) has resulted in the launch of the DA-COC Multimedia Studio. This partnership with the WVSU’s College of Communication aims to improve educational and communicative prospects in Western Visayas and promote agricultural information in the region.
To further support this endeavor, financial grants were given to Aklan State University’s DYMT Teleradio and the Nutri Eskwela Radio Station of the LGU of Sibalom, Antique. These grants will contribute to the development and success of these community radio stations.
Dr. Ian Espada, the Dean of WVSU-COC, expressed his gratitude for the support from the DA-WV, emphasizing the importance of collaboration and innovation in empowering students to excel in communication and make positive changes. The Regional Information Officer, James Earl Ogatis, highlighted the significance of the Multimedia Studio in cultivating students’ potential and enhancing their capacity.
The launch of the DA-COC multimedia studio was marked by the maiden broadcast anchored by Prof. David Arthur Quimpo. During the broadcast, Ogatis and Chrystal Jane Almendralejo provided information on DA-WV’s climate-resilient agricultural projects and discussed the latest concerns and trends in the agriculture sector.
Several notable faculty members and students from WVSU-COC, including Prof. Mary Kareen Gancio, Prof. David Arthur Quimpo, and Mil Joe Cabag, were also present during the event. Their presence reinforces the commitment to academic excellence and legacy-building in the field of communication.
Through these partnerships and initiatives, the DA-WV aims to strengthen the dissemination of agricultural information and enhance communication channels in Western Visayas. The collaboration between the DA-WV and universities and local government units underscores the importance of working together to foster educational and communicative growth in the region.
Overall, this initiative represents a significant investment in community radio stations and the pursuit of excellence in the field of communication. By harnessing the power of collaboration and innovation, the DA-WV and its partners are paving the way for a brighter future in agriculture and fostering positive change in Western Visayas.
