By Kenneth Marcos 
Before sunrise on Saturday, many Filipino farmers will already be awake, preparing their fields or tending to their crops. For some of them, the quiet early morning is also the perfect time to listen to the radio and learn new ways to improve their harvest and livelihood.
This March 21, 2026, the Department of Agriculture will bring another meaningful discussion to farmers and listeners through its agricultural radio program “Maunlad na Pilipino.” The episode will focus on the Organic Agriculture Initiative of the Agricultural Training Institute in Cagayan Valley and how it aims to strengthen the knowledge and skills of farmers in organic farming.
The program will air from 5:00 to 6:00 in the morning on 702 kHz DZAS and through the DZAS Facebook page. It is part of the #AgriOnAir campaign, which promotes agricultural education and public awareness through accessible media platforms.
The episode will feature Ms. Jennilyn V. Pablo, Project Evaluation Officer I and focal person for the Organic Agriculture Program of ATI Cagayan Valley. She will discuss the institute’s training and extension programs for organic agriculture planned for 2026.
During the broadcast, Pablo is expected to explain how farmers can participate in training sessions that focus on organic production methods. These programs include classroom discussions, hands-on activities, and field demonstrations designed to help farmers understand and apply organic farming techniques.
Organic agriculture focuses on producing food without the use of synthetic chemicals such as artificial fertilizers and pesticides. Instead, farmers rely on natural inputs, compost, crop rotation, and biological pest control to maintain soil health and protect crops.
Agricultural experts say organic farming can offer several benefits. It helps improve soil quality, protect water sources, and reduce the environmental impact of farming activities. For consumers, organic produce is often associated with safer and healthier food options.
For farmers, organic agriculture also presents economic opportunities. With increasing demand for chemical-free food, organic products can attract higher market prices in certain markets. Training programs aim to help farmers take advantage of these opportunities by teaching proper production methods, certification processes, and marketing strategies.
The Agricultural Training Institute continues to play a key role in building the capacity of Filipino farmers across different regions. Through its extension programs, the institute provides technical knowledge and practical skills that can help farmers adapt to modern agricultural challenges while maintaining sustainable practices.
In the Cagayan Valley region, the organic agriculture initiative is part of a broader effort to support environmentally friendly farming while strengthening rural livelihoods. Programs such as Luntiang Ani 2026 encourage farmers to adopt practices that protect both public health and the natural environment.
The upcoming radio discussion will also highlight how communities can benefit from organic agriculture. Aside from improving food safety and soil health, organic farming can create new opportunities for local businesses, including farm tourism, organic markets, and community-based food enterprises.
By sharing practical knowledge through radio and online platforms, the Department of Agriculture hopes to reach more farmers, especially those in remote areas who may not always have access to formal training programs.
As the country continues to promote sustainable agriculture, initiatives like these remind farmers and consumers alike that protecting the land is closely linked to ensuring long-term food security.
For many Filipino farmers listening early that morning, the discussion may offer new ideas and inspiration on how to produce healthier food while caring for the environment. In a time when sustainable farming is becoming increasingly important, every new lesson learned can help build a stronger and more resilient agricultural sector.
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