Digital agriculture opportunities fill the spirits of the farming families of MIDBAL IA in Pigcawayan during the Training on Smart Agriculture Technologies (SATs) for Rice held on October 3-5, 2022, at GBS III Agro Farms, Brgy. Presbitero, Pigcawayan, North Cotabato.

The 21 pairs of farmers and their kids were trained in digital applications and technologies that can aid and automate their farm practices. They were introduced to mobile applications such as PRIME, RMCAS, Binhing Palay, E-Damuhan, LCC, and Payong Pag-asa. Resource Speakers on these topics were Leonardo Marquez from Philrice, Benedict Jardinero from IRRI, Aiza Mae Godornes from DA RFO 12, and Jon Ian Belo of ATI 12. Drones were also introduced to farmers with discussion and a demo on the second day through the company GRAINSCO. Loan programs were also introduced to farmers on the third day through speakers from LandBank Philippines.

Farmers and youths were also given badges at each completion stage, pinned by facilitators. Participants also took a pledge of commitment as a #SmartFarmer and #SmartFarmYouthInfulencer, making their mark as the pioneer of this program and their commitment to instill and share their learnings throughout the 3 days.

This training was made possible as part of the Capstone Project on Smart Agriculture Technologies through Mr. Glenn Estrada of the DA – National Rice Program, a scholar of the Development Academy of the Philippines. The training was implemented by the ATI- Central Office and ATI-RTC XII with the assistance of DA-RFO XII Rice Program, MIDBAL IA President Charlie Pasaquian, and GBS III Agro Farm Owner, Gregorio B. Saljay, III.