The Department of Agriculture-Agricultural Training Institute (DA-ATI) Region 10 recently turned over a FarmTech training kit to rice farmers from the Barangay Raw-an Farmers Association, Inc. based in the municipality of Lala, Lanao del Norte, in collaboration with PLDT and its wireless arm Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart). The package is part of the Digital Farmers Program (DFP), the award-winning digital inclusion initiative of DA-ATI, PLDT and Smart, aimed at empowering agricultural communities through technology.

FarmTech, a key component of DFP, is an all-in-one training kit designed to equip farmer groups and agri-coops in their digital literacy training programs for their farmer members in remote areas. It includes a tablet, 10 smartphones, a SmartBro pocket WiFi with Smart Prepaid load cards, an outdoor projector and screen, a rechargeable portable sound system, a flash drive with multimedia resources and apps, and DA-ATI-developed learning materials.

John Rhoger Aragon, a young farmer and Sangguniang Kabataan officer, expressed appreciation for the training and technology DFP provided, noting the importance of digital tools in modern farming. “We are willing to teach both youngsters and elders how to use technology to advance the agricultural industries. This initiative is a big help in expanding our agricultural knowledge,” he said.

Eufracio Espra, a 67-year-old farmer, realized that technology can improve productivity and reduce expenses through DFP. “Adopting new technology is crucial for better harvests and less expenses. This support from DA-ATI, PLDT, and Smart is so important for our association,” he added.

Launched in 2019, DFP is part of PLDT and Smart’s efforts to promote inclusive technologies that can help boost livelihood opportunities among farmers. This initiative supports the Group’s commitment to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly Goal No. 1 (No Poverty) and Goal No. 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth).