Farmers in Central Luzon gained new trainers on digital literacy as PLDT-Smart together with the Department of Agriculture - Agricultural Training Institute equip members of the Kapampangan Development Foundation Inc. (KDFI) to become tech champions under the Digital Farmers Program (DFP). The initiative is made possible through the collaboration of the Department of Agriculture–Agricultural Training Institute (DA-ATI), PLDT and Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart), and the PLDT-Smart Foundation (PSF).
As part of this effort, KDFI’s training team completed a two-day intensive Training of Trainers (TOT) on digital agriculture facilitated by DA-ATI Regional Training Center 3. This session falls under FarmLearn, a core component of DFP designed to help farmers embrace smartphones, agri apps, e-commerce, and online safety practices—skills that will help boost productivity and open new income opportunities.
The TOT builds on the earlier turnover of a FarmTech kit from the PLDT Group and PLDT-Smart Foundation to KDFI. Each FarmTech kit includes mobile devices, training equipment, connectivity support, and curated agricultural learning materials—resources that enable KDFI’s trainers to extend the DFP learning experience to more farming communities across Central Luzon.
“Our partnership with DA-ATI and organizations like KDFI allows us to bring the Digital Farmers Program to life in farming communities that need it most. By supporting farmer organizations and agri-coops with the right digital tools and knowledge, we help them take meaningful steps in their digitalization journey—building a more inclusive and resilient agriculture sector that empowers farmers to thrive in the digital age,” said Stephanie V. Orlino, PLDT and Smart AVP and Head of Stakeholder Engagement.
Kent Edward S. Ballesteros, Media Production Specialist II of DA-ATI, reflected “The Digital Farmers Program training has been well-received by the KDFI community. We’ve seen a high level of enthusiasm from the farmers regarding the program’s content. This educational exchange has been mutually beneficial, and we feel fulfilled by the opportunity to share our expertise.”
Raffy Manaloto, Agriculturist and OIC VP of Kapampangan Development Foundation, Satellite Dressery Association (KDF-SDA) emphasized how technology benefits even older farmers. “Farmers learned about the use of applications and the internet for agricultural development, and their interest in using gadgets has been revived. Tasks are easier and problems are solved through mobile technology, which benefits both young and senior citizen farmers. Training like this should be continued and expanded so more farmers can keep pace with modern farming,” said Manaloto.
Through the partnership, KDFI is now ready to empower their members with digital knowledge that can support day-to-day farming.
Jonie Simbulan, KDFI Farm Manager, said “Through the Digital Farmers Program, we are now equipped to teach our fellow farmer members how to use their smartphones in agriculture. Today, we discovered apps that can support farming activities. We’re eager to learn and expand our skills. We are truly grateful to DA-ATI, PLDT, and Smart. This training will surely benefit us and our fellow farmers.”
PLDT and Smart’s commitment to digital inclusion and agricultural empowerment directly supports the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly Goal 1: No Poverty – by enhancing farmers’ income opportunities through digital tools and e-commerce and Goal 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure – by promoting access to ICT and innovation in rural communities. Through initiatives like the Digital Farmers Program, PLDT and Smart continue to demonstrate how technology can be a powerful enabler of inclusive, sustainable development.
