For Jovanni Mondaya of Maco, Davao de Oro, farming has become a way of life, with his parents teaching him at a young age. Cacao farming has not been just a means to provide for their daily needs, but a legacy passed down through generations. 

As the years went by, the 38-year-old farmer realized that traditional farming methods were not enough to sustain their farm. Armed with a deep-rooted passion for cacao, Mondaya joined various groups and sought out opportunities to support his journey to transform his family’s farming practice. 

He particularly appreciates PLDT and Smart’s Digital Farmers Program, which was presented during the recent Cacao Business Forum in Davao City. To be offered soon to cacao farmers in partnership with the Department of Agriculture-Agricultural Training Institute and Mennonite Economic Development Associates, PLDT and Smart’s initiative will empower farmers and agroprenuers through digital literacy training and connectivity tools. 

"I thank PLDT, Smart and the other like-minded organizations from both the public and private sectors that joined together to create opportunities for farmers like us to have better access to new technology. I believe that the Digital Farmers Program will help us adopt sustainable farming practices, increase our yield and benefit the environment as well," he said. 

PLDT and Smart continue to extend more livelihood opportunities to farmers through technology and capacity-building. These initiatives are also aligned with the PLDT Group’s commitment to help achieve UN SDG No. 1 (No Poverty) and No. 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth).