PLDT and Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart) strengthen their collaboration with the Department of Agriculture - Agricultural Training Institute (DA-ATI) to advance digital inclusion in agriculture, expanding farmers' and agricultural extension workers' access to digital learning, technology-enabled training, and smart farming tools through the Digital Farmers Program (DFP).
In a recent meeting, PLDT, Smart, and DA-ATI representatives discussed the continued rollout of the DFP, which supports smallholder farmers through digital skills training, access to technology, and partnerships with other government and local organizations.
Now an integral part of the PLDT Group’s #KonektedforLivelihoods program, which upskills farmers and MSMEs on mobile technology and digital tools and platforms, the DFP has reached around 9,000 farmers through its core training activities conducted by DA-ATI, and more than 5,000 through DFP-related learning sessions, webinars, and partner engagements led by PLDT and Smart. Together, these efforts have brought the program’s broader reach to over 14,000 agri-stakeholders since 2019.
DA-ATI Director Engr. Remelyn R. Recoter said the Institute’s longstanding partnership with the PLDT Group on the DFP strengthens its continuing efforts to promote digital agriculture and expand farmers’ access to information and communications technology. She added that the partnership builds on DA-ATI’s work with the private sector to bring more technology-based opportunities to farming communities.
At the sidelines of the meeting, PLDT and Smart also turned over a connectivity package to the DA-ATI, to help strengthen digital learning and information access across DA-ATI's Central Office and 15 Regional Training Centers, enabling more farmers and agricultural extension workers to access technology-enabled training, digital resources, and practical smart farming solutions.
The connectivity package includes mobile devices, internet connectivity, digital learning materials, and smart farming applications. Each site received a Smart 5G Max Turbo WiFi unit, a ZTE Blade A75 5G smartphone equipped with a Smart Power prepaid SIM, and Smart Call & Text Cards.
Recoter, together with Assistant Director Antonieta J. Arceo, received the connectivity package on behalf of the agency.
"We are deeply grateful for our longstanding partnership with the DA-ATI in enabling agricultural communities to build skills, access markets, and grow their livelihoods well into the future,” according to Stephanie V. Orlino, AVP and head of Stakeholder Engagement at PLDT and Smart.
PLDT and Smart's support for DA-ATI reflects the Group's commitment to collaborate with government agencies, private sector partners, and local communities to promote digital inclusion and economic resilience, in line with UN Sustainable Development Goal 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), which calls for inclusive and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment, and decent work for all.
