The three-day Digital Farmers Program (DFP) for cacao cooperatives and associations wrapped up successfully at the Agricultural Training Institute-Regional Training Center XI (ATI-RTC XI) on September 19, 2024.
The program aimed to give farmers essential digital skills to improve their farming practices and market their products more effectively. This training-of-trainers ended with hands-on applications training, micro-teaching sessions, followed by the participants' graduation.
The 30 participants from cacao cooperatives across the Davao Region took part in interactive sessions on digital marketing, agri-environmental sustainability, social media marketing, and digital tools in farming.
Ms. Assel Mapayo, Information Officer II at ATI-RTC XI, led many of the sessions and noted the participants' excitement. "It’s inspiring to see how eager these farmers are to adopt digital tools and practices. Their commitment to learning and sharing with each other shows the potential for real change in their communities."
Partnering with Mr. Janoz Laquihon, CEO of Laquihon Agro-Environmental Consultancy Services, participants learned about sustainable farming. Meanwhile, reps from PLDT-Smart and TikTok Philippines shared insights on e-commerce and digital transactions, opening up new ways for farmers to sell online.
As participants received their certificates, there was a strong sense of achievement and hope for the future. The DFP not only boosted their digital skills but also prepared them to apply and share this knowledge within their communities.
