PLDT and its wireless unit Smart Communications Inc. participated in the Farmers Congress held recently in Talavera, Nueva Ecija, where nearly a thousand farmers learned about various programs and innovations they could utilize to improve their harvest and increase their income.

Among the programs featured at the event were PLDT and Smart’s award-winning livelihood programs, Digital Farmers Program (DFP) and eBizNovation, which help usher farmers and micro-, small-, and medium-sized entrepreneurs (MSMEs) into the digital economy by providing access to technology and upskilling trainings.

DFP is a collaboration with the Department of Agriculture-Agricultural Training Institute (DA-ATI); while eBizNovation helps turn MSMEs into online merchants in partnership with the Department of Trade and Industry, Department of Agriculture, local chambers of commerce, and various e-commerce platforms.

PLDT and Smart’s #MSMEmpowered and #FarmSmart Communities program recently won a gold trophy for Innovative Achievement in Corporate Social Responsibility at the 11th Asia-Pacific Stevie Awards, considered the world’s premier business awards for recognizing innovation in the workplace in all 29 markets of the Asia-Pacific region.

"Through our DFP and eBizNovation programs, we hope to be of help to the farmers and MSMEs of Talavera as they forge the path to becoming the premier agro-industrial city in Central Luzon," said Stephanie V. Orlino, Stakeholder Management Head at PLDT and Smart.

During the event held at Talavera National High School, Mayor Nerito Santos Jr. said the Farmers Congress was organized to help educate farmers about the programs, tools, and assistance available to them to help boost their livelihood. Vice Mayor Nerivi Santos Martinez meanwhile emphasized the importance of adapting to technology to help better address challenges faced by farmers, such as calamities and pests, among other concerns.

PLDT and Smart's programs to help boost livelihood for farmers and MSMEs reinforce the group's commitment to help in nation-building. These also support the United Nation's Sustainable Development Goal 1: No Poverty and 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth.