MARAMAG, BUKIDNON – Digitalization remains at the forefront of agricultural modernization in Northern Mindanao as the Agricultural Training Institute-Regional Training Center X (ATI-RTC X) successfully conducted its second batch of the Digital Farmers Program (DFP) 103: Farm Learn on May 11–15, 2026, at Margarette’s Hotel.
The five-day training brought together 31 participants, primarily composed of local youth and farmers from the Patag-Corona Irrigators Association (IA), who were selected in coordination with the Municipal Agriculture Office (MAO) of Maramag. The program bridges generational gaps, aiming to transform traditional farmers into data-driven decision-makers while inspiring the youth to find new appreciation and opportunities in modern agriculture.
The curriculum spanned from fundamental digital literacy—such as smartphone navigation and internet basics—to advanced agricultural technologies. ATI-RTC X Agriculturist I Marylie Suralta guided participants through practical, hands-on demonstrations of specialized agri-applications, including SPIDTECH, Binhing Palay, the Leaf Color Computing app, and e-Damuhan.
Highlighting local innovation, the team "Archtech" from the University of Science and Technology of Southern Philippines (USTP) - Cagayan de Oro Campus—who placed 5th during the 2025 National Digi Agri Hackathon Demo Day—introduced their homegrown agricultural solutions, Cropwise and Tanim. They demonstrated their proprietary soil-testing hardware, designed to help farmers diagnose nutrient deficiencies and streamline crop management.
Participants also got a taste of high-tech farming through an intensive session on agricultural drones. Mr. Marwin Animo, Marketing Manager of Grainsco, Inc., alongside a team from DJI Mindanao, led the participants through hands-on drone operations, safety protocols, and field servicing.
The participants expressed immense gratitude for the exposure to modern technology.
"Sa ATI, daku kaayo among pasalamat kay gipuno gyud ninyo among kahibalo. Kini nga training na-realized nako nga dili pa ulahi ang tanan. Ang smart agriculture, daku kaayo og matabang sa amo, og sa among umaabot nga henerasyon,"
(We are so grateful to ATI for overflowing our cups with knowledge. This training made me realize that it is never too late. Smart agriculture will be a massive help to us and to our future generations.) — Helen Celeste, farmer-participant.
The successful rollout was graced by Maramag Municipal Agriculturist Armand Dela Cruz and his dedicated rice program team. Leading the instruction was DFP Master Trainer Mary Rose Cordova, whose implementation of this training serves as her official re-entry plan after completing the DFP Training of Trainers in 2023.
The collaborative training management was spearheaded by ATI-RTC X Information Services Section Chief Honeylou Bastasa, ensuring highly interactive and engaging sessions throughout the week.
Following this successful turnout in Bukidnon, ATI-RTC X is set to conduct the final leg of this year's DFP 103 training series in Sultan Naga Dimaporo, Lanao del Norte, this coming July 2026. ###
