CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, June 7 (PIA)--To help the agricultural sector promote key initiatives and developments, the Cabinet Officer for Regional Development and Security (CORDS)-X Podcast featured the "Masaganang Ani, Mataas na Kita" community radio program of the Department of Agriculture (DA)-10 and Central Mindanao University (CMU) last night, June 6.

In an interview with Communications Secretary Martin Andanar, DA-10 Regional Director Carlene Collado said the program, which is aired over CMU's radio, DXMU-FM 88.9, is the first of its kind among DA regional offices in the country.

"Masaganang Ani, Mataas na Kita" will highlight expertise of seed companies as well as the provincial and municipal agriculture offices in Bukidnon and DA-attached agencies to tackle common agricultural problems and issues, the regional director said.

For CY 2012, DA funded P4 million for the rehabilitation and conversion of DXMU-AM to DXMU-FM radio stations to intensify the agri-fisheries IECs through broadcasting.

"Gibuhat ni aron makahatag ug ehemplo sa mga mag-uuma ug mutabang sa atong mga igsuon nga naa sa rice production (This is conducted to guide our farmers and help those who are involved in rice production)," Collado said.

To further strengthen the radio program, CMU President Jesus Antonio Derije said they have assigned professors, station managers, technical people to include licensed electronics engineer and broadcasters to man the program.

"We also have a strong course offering, Bachelor of Science in Development Communication, to strengthen the memorandum of agreement nga gipirmahan nato (which we signed) with the Department of Agriculture," Derije said.

The MOA for the creation of the community program was held May 26 at Bukidnon was witnessed by seed companies, which are part of the hybrid seed production in the area.

Moreover, Collado said the 'Masagang Ani, Mataas na Kita' will not only benefit the farmers since students will also learn the modern technologies, machineries and equipment that will promote and develop the agricultural sector.

For its first episode, June 5, the radio program highlighted the characteristics and nature of fall armyworm (FAW), and how the farmers could act against its infestation in farmlands. Collado said such is very timely since they received a report that Bukidnon is already affected with the FAW. (RTP/PIA10)