In rural Misamis Oriental, where many farmers still rely on traditional methods, access to digital tools can mean the difference between subsistence and sustainable growth. To provide farmers and extension workers access to digital learning and training tools, the Department of Agriculture – Agricultural Training Institute (DA-ATI) Region 10, in partnership with PLDT and its wireless arm Smart Communications, Inc., has equipped farmer-trainers in Alubijid, Misamis Oriental with a FarmTech package, enabling them to advance digital farming practices and improve livelihoods. 

Through the Digital Farmers Program (DFP), members of the Binigwayan, Guinutang, Al Tubo, Tipulonan Farmers Irrigators Association (BIGATFIA) were trained to maximize mobile applications and digital tools, including apps for selecting palay seeds and monitoring weather patterns. Using the FarmTech training kit, they can now share their knowledge gained from the DFP session with other farmers, promoting wider technological adoption in the area.

BIGATFIA President Manolito Emar, who has been farming for more than 25 years, recognizes the importance of embracing new technologies. “If we don’t explore modern ways of farming, farmers will be left behind. With FarmTech, we can now train more farmers about digital farming and help make their work more efficient. We thank DA-ATI, PLDT, and Smart for providing us with gadgets to use in teaching, and the Municipal Agriculturist Office (MAO) of Alubijid for guiding us. We have learned many new things that we can apply to our farms,” he said. 

The FarmTech package includes mobile devices, connectivity support, and access to agriculture-focused platforms which help farmers make informed decisions, boost productivity, and reach broader markets.

For Harbey Businos, MAO Alubijid’s agri-technologist, the initiative goes beyond technology. “The FarmTech package is more than just the gadgets—it is a bridge of knowledge. Through the support of DA-ATI 10, PLDT, and Smart, our Digital Farmers Program graduates are now equipped to re-echo what they have learned, empowering fellow farmers in their communities to embrace technology for more progressive and sustainable agriculture.” 

This initiative is part of PLDT and Smart’s broader commitment to promoting digital inclusion in agriculture, helping farmers harness technology for productivity, resilience, and sustainability. It also contributes to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)—particularly SDG 1 (No Poverty), SDG 2 (Zero Hunger), and SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth)—by improving access to resources and enhancing livelihood opportunities in rural communities.