07/05/2026
From the Classroom to the Farm: The Journey of Mr. Edwin Rivera
“Learning is a lifelong process.” For Mr. Edwin Rivera, these aren't just words—they are a way of life. After a distinguished 39-year career as a faculty member at the College of Teacher Education in Laoag City, Mr. Rivera returned to his roots. Born into a family of farmers, he saw his retirement not as an end but as a vibrant new beginning.
Unlearning the Old, Embracing the New
Despite his upbringing, Mr. Rivera realized that the "old ways" of farming had evolved. To bridge the gap between tradition and technology, he enrolled in the School-on-the-Air (SOA) on Goat and Swine Production.
"As I continued learning through the SOA, I realized how much had changed. I knew I had to strengthen my knowledge not just for myself, but for my community," says Mr. Rivera.
His dedication was immediate and undeniable; Mr. Rivera emerged as one of the Top Achievers of the program, proving that a teacher's greatest asset is the ability to remain a student.
A Growing Portfolio: From Livestock to Vegetables
Mr. Rivera’s thirst for knowledge did not stop at livestock. Driven by a desire to diversify his farm, he recently enrolled in the SOA on Vegetable Production. Proving his commitment to the craft, he made sure to join every single episode, ensuring no piece of advice went unheard.
He has already translated these airwave lessons into tangible results. Today, his home is a model of resourcefulness, where he grows fresh vegetables for his family using recycled materials. Furthermore, he has successfully applied technical lectures by propagating alukon (birch flower), ensuring this local staple remains a fixture on the Ilocano table.
Cultivating Community: The Gift of Forage
Mr. Rivera’s impact is most visible in his fields and his generosity. After attending the training on forage production, he successfully cultivated forage grasses using planting materials from the Department of Agriculture-Ilocos Norte Research and Experiment (DA-INREC) Station in Dingras.
While many might focus solely on their own herd, Mr. Rivera focuses on the success of his neighbors. He explains:
"It’s not just my experience in raising goats that I can share, but the planting materials that I have grown and mass-produced from the sample forages provided during our SOA."
What started as a few sample materials has grown into a sustainable, mass-produced supply that he now shares with interested farmers.
A Promise Kept
Mr. Rivera has come full circle—from teaching students in a classroom to mentoring farmers in the field. He now serves as a Board Director and Consultant for a local farmers' organization, working closely with the Laoag City Agriculture Office to uplift fellow producers.
“I will make sure that all my learnings in the SOA will be shared with all other farmers,” he asserts.
Through his hands-on leadership and his willingness to share both his knowledge and his harvests, Mr. Edwin Rivera is ensuring that the seeds of progress continue to grow.
To recall, the SOA program was made possible through partnerships with the Provincial Government of Ilocos Norte (PGIN), local government units, ILAARRDEC, and various MMSU offices, supported by media partners including DWFB Radyo Pilipinas Laoag, DWCI Radyo Adjo Piddig, and DWNI Radyo Karruba Burgos.
