BUTUAN CITY- The Agricultural Training Institute-Regional Training Center (ATI-RTC) 13 conducted the second batch of the Training of Trainers (TOT) on Digital Farmers Program (DFP) on April 27-29, 2022.

There were twenty-four (24) participants comprising Agricultural Extension Workers (AEWs) and Learning Site for Agriculture (LSA) Cooperators and staff were trained to be Master Trainers of the DFP. This was held at Balanghai Hotel, Butuan City.

Participants were able to learn the components of the Digital Farmers Program (DFP) which covers the lessons from DFP 101 and 102. Basic and advanced agricultural applications as well as introduction and advanced social media marketing, e-commerce platforms and digital transactions was also learned during the 3-day training.

As trainers, LSA staff and AEWs were taught on the basics of smartphone and how to discuss those topics to the farmers and youth when they conduct training on DFP 101 and 102 someday. Protocols on internet safety as well as accessing the internet was also discussed during the training.

Simulation session was done during the last day of the training. This is to know whether the trained participants are ready for the field wherein they will train the farmers and youths regarding the benefits of Digital Farmers Program.

Moreover, OIC Center Director Fil Victor A. Babanto encouraged participants during the last day of training to be confident enough to deliver the topics and teach farmers what they have learned about the DFP.

“This is a dream come true for me and my farmer friends. This is going to open a lot of opportunities for them and at the same tie remove little loads on their shoulders and finally giving them a chance to become entrepreneurs the easier way. I find this training a gift from heaven.” Stated Faith Dicang, LSA Cooperator and one of the participants during the training.

Ginalyn V. Arbutante, Information Officer II, served as the Project Officer and Resource Person of the said training together with the other Information Services Section (ISS) staff.

The Training of Trainers on Digital Farmers Program was spearheaded by the ISS of the ATI-RTC 13. It aimed at training extension workers in local government units and ATI-accredited Learning Sites in implementing the Digital Farmers Program in their respective areas.