Davao’s cacao industry is getting a digital boost, thanks to PLDT and Smart’s partnership with the Department of Agriculture-Agriculture Training Institute and Mennonite Economic Development Associates. A year into the collaboration, more cacao farmers in Mindanao are learning how to use mobile technology to improve their farms and livelihoods.
Since 2019, PLDT, Smart, and DA-ATI’s Digital Farmers Program has been helping farmers become more comfortable with digital tools—everything from mobile apps for crop monitoring to online marketplaces that connect them with more buyers. This initiative is especially important in Davao, which produces 80% of the country’s cacao.
Making digital tools work for farmers
“We’re committed to making sure Davao’s cacao farmers can succeed in an era where everything’s online,” said Stephanie V. Orlino, PLDT and Smart’s Head of Stakeholder Management. “By equipping them with the right toolsand knowledge, we’re not just helping them grow their businesses—we’re strengthening the entire agricultural sector.”
A cacao farmer introduces his product as part of an online selling exercise under the Digital Farmers Program.
Since 2024, the program has trained over 300 cacao farmers in rural communities, helping them embrace modern, tech-enabled farming. They’ve learned to track weather conditions, manage finances, and even use digital platforms to sell their products. MEDA also stepped in with training on sustainable farming techniques, ensuring that farmers can maximize resources while protecting the environment.
For farmers like Lizabeth Gabonada of the MIEDECO cooperative, these skills are game-changers. “These apps help us monitor the weather properly,” she shared. “Now, we can decide the best time to plant and find the best areas for growing cacao. That makes a huge difference.”
The Digital Farmers Program module and a mobile application are used to teach farmers how to leverage technology for better farm management and productivity.
Driving digital inclusion in agriculture
The success of the Digital Farmers Program shows how technology and collaboration can transform agriculture in the Philippines. The initiative has already earned recognition from both local and international organizations for its impact—proof that digital inclusion is key to modernizing farming.
Beyond cacao, PLDT and Smart remain focused on expanding livelihood opportunities and supporting food security across the country. By harnessing their network and innovation, they’re helping more Filipino farmers thrive in an increasingly digital world.
This initiative also supports the UN Sustainable Development Goals, specifically Goal 1 (No Poverty) and Goal 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth).
