Farmer groups in the Davao Region now have the means to become digital agriculture champions.
As part of their mission to bring digital innovation to Filipino farmers, PLDT and Smart Communications, Inc. recently joined the Department of Agriculture-Agricultural Training Institute (DA-ATI) Davao Region as they turned over FarmTech packages to farmer groups in Hagonoy, Davao del Sur, and Lupon, Davao Oriental.
Each FarmTech package includes tablets, smartphones, Wi-Fi devices, and curated learning content, designed to equip and empower farmer groups to train their own member-farmers on leveraging technology for real-time access to agricultural information, and to enhance productivity and find new market opportunities.
DA–ATI Davao Region and Smart turn over a FarmTech package to Upper Sinayawan Farmers-Irrigators Association, equipping members with digital tools and learning materials under the Digital Farmers Program.
“We, the farmers and the interns, are truly grateful,” said Alma Maravillas, president of the Upper Sinayawan Farmers-Irrigators Association. “This support will go a long way in helping us increase our yield and apply better farming practices. With this technology, we are more motivated than ever to thrive in the agricultural industry.”
FarmTech is part of the Digital Farmers Program (DFP), a long-standing partnership between DA-ATI and the PLDT Group, to ensure that no farmer is left behind in the digital age. By enhancing access to digital platforms, market linkages, and modern agricultural knowledge, DFP enables farmers to thrive in a technology-driven world.
Upper Sinayawan Farmers-Irrigators Association president Alma Maravillas welcomes the FarmTech package from DA-ATI Davao Region and Smart as a valuable toolkit to help farmers embrace technology.
“We extend our heartfelt thanks to PLDT and Smart for their unwavering support and collaboration in advancing digital agriculture and empowering our farming communities. This initiative reflects the strong commitment of ATI Davao Region, PLDT and Smart to empower local farmers through digital technology, providing them with innovative tools to boost productivity, enhance community-based learning, and promote sustainable livelihoods in the Davao Region,” shared Assel Mapayo, ATI-RTC XI Information Officer and DFP Focal Person.
Through inclusive programs like the DFP and FarmTech, PLDT and Smart help boost livelihood opportunities for farmers and fisherfolk, supporting the government’s digitalization efforts and contributing to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 1 (No Poverty) and SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth).
