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ANTIPAS, COTABATO — To strengthen agricultural extension and address real-world farming challenges, the University of Southern Mindanao – Extension Services Office (USM-ESO), through its Knowledge Management (KM) Unit, conducted a targeted needs assessment among local durian growers in Antipas, Cotabato, on September 11, 2026.
The initiative serves as the groundwork for “Ugnayan sa Radyo,” an upcoming 10-episode radio series designed to deliver demand-driven, research-backed agricultural technologies straight to farming communities.
The activity was spearheaded in collaboration with key local stakeholders, including Antipas Municipal Mayor Hon. Cristobal D. Cadungon, Municipal Agriculturist Staff Mr. Robert Montano, and prominent local grower Mr. Ian Provida.
To gain firsthand insight into local production practices and field challenges, the team conducted an on-site evaluation of Mr. Provida’s 25-hectare durian plantation. During the visit, Provida emphasized that access to water remains a foundational requirement for sustainable orchard development.
“Kung magplano diay ka nga mananom ug durian, kinahanglan unahon diay nato ug tan-aw kung ang area nimu nay source sa tubig” [If you plan to plant durian, you must first ensure that the area has a reliable water source], Provida shared.
Facilitated by Training Specialist II Ms. Ritchel O. Torres, the session collected critical farmer insights, industry experiences, and field-level needs that will directly shape the content of the upcoming broadcast series.
Through this collaborative effort, USM reinforces its commitment to bridging academic research and ground-level farming needs—leveraging broadcast media to make modern, science-backed agricultural practices accessible to community stakeholders across the region.
