Hagonoy, Davao del Sur – To promote and advocate for digital farming using smartphones and various agricultural applications, ATI-RTC XI successfully conducted the Training of Trainers (TOT) on the Digital Farmers Program (DFP) in Upper Sinayawan Farmers Irrigator's Association (UPSFIA), Brgy. Sinayawan on May 26–28, 2025. 

The 30 participants, composed of both youth and adults, were equipped and capacitated through the DFP 101 and 102 courses.

Ms. Assel M. Mapayo, Information Officer II of ATI-RTC XI, presented the objectives and flow of activities. She inspired everyone to participate actively and stay attentive throughout the sessions, emphasizing that “the most valuable outcome we can offer our participants is a shift in perspective through the use of digital tools.” 

The training proper began with Ms. Babyglace R. Lanit handling the DFP 101 modules. Meanwhile, Ms. Loida T. Magoncia and Ms. Jasmin D. Laiz, Agricultural Technologists from the Office of the Provincial Agriculturist of  Davao del Sur, facilitated the sessions under DFP 102. 

Mr. Leowin Briones, Municipal Agriculturist of Hagonoy, expressed his gratitude for the opportunity given to their farmers. He committed to lead the local dissemination of DFP and to continuously advocate digitalization in rice farming across the municipality. 

One of the participants, Mr. Kent Steven C. Berte, shared, “I never expected to enjoy this training so much. The technology captivated me. I used to think the youth had no significant role in farming, but after learning about agri apps and social media marketing, I’m excited to share this with our farmer-neighbors it would help in the decision-making of our rice farmers.” 

A key highlight of the training was the micro-teaching activity, where participants were assigned various topics and tasked to present them as if addressing their future trainees. 

This activity served as a hands-on application of their learning and built their confidence in becoming community-based trainers. 

The training was facilitated by ATI-RTC XI staff, Ms. Babyglace R. Lanit, and Ms. Marcosa M. Kapa, alongside Ms. Maria Alma L. Maravillas, President of UPSFIA.