CARMEN, Surigao del Sur — Farmers and youth participants from various communities in Carmen enhanced their knowledge and practical skills in digital agriculture during the recently conducted the Training of Trainers on Digital Farmers Program (DFP) held from May 12–14, 2026 at the Municipal Training Center in Carmen, Surigao del Sur.
The three-day activity aimed to equip participants with digital tools and modern technologies that can help improve farming productivity, communication, and product marketing. Organized through the efforts of the Agricultural Training Institute –Regional Training Center (ATI-RTC) XIII, the training highlighted the growing role of technology in transforming agriculture and empowering rural communities.
The training covered two key courses: DFP 101, which introduced participants to smartphone basics, internet navigation, social media applications, and online safety; and DFP 102, which focused on advanced digital tools, e-commerce, online transactions, and digital marketing strategies for agricultural products.
During the opening program, Carmen Mayor Nestor S. Valeroso emphasized the importance of empowering both farmers and youth through innovation and digital learning. He highlighted the significant role of young people in advancing agriculture and contributing to community development.
Municipal Agriculturist Mr. Laury Lauron also expressed his support for the activity and encouraged participants to maximize the knowledge gained from the training and apply it in their farming and livelihood activities.
Throughout the sessions, participants explored various digital platforms and applications such as Google, Facebook, YouTube, Canva, PayMaya, PAGASA, RCMAS, and the PhilRice Text Center. Farmer-youth tandems were also trained in creating social media content and short promotional videos featuring farms and local agricultural products.
For many participants, the training opened opportunities to use technology more effectively in agriculture and business.
“This training greatly helped us understand how to use mobile phones and social media platforms to improve and promote our products. I can now confidently post and market our products online,” shared Rubencio Pame, chairman and farmer from EFMC. He also expressed gratitude to ATI for bringing the training closer to farmers in Carmen.
Meanwhile, Milagros O. Lopio, also from EFMC, said the activity provided valuable learning experiences on online transactions and digital marketing. “We learned a lot about online transactions, advanced agricultural applications, and e-commerce platforms that we can use both in farming and in selling our products,” Lopio said.
Youth participants likewise recognized the importance of digital agriculture in today’s farming environment. Mark D. Plaza, 4-H Club President from Brgy. Sta. Cruz, described the activity as timely and beneficial for both farmers and young people. “This program is very informative and helpful because it introduced the importance of modern technology in agriculture when it comes to marketing strategy. It helps improve farming knowledge, productivity, and market access through digital tools and modern techniques,” Plaza said.
As part of the culminating activity, the top five farmer-youth tandems were recognized for their outstanding Canva posters and short video productions promoting local farms and products. The activity demonstrated ATI’s continuing commitment in partnership with Smart Communications Inc. to strengthening digital literacy among farmers and rural youth while promoting smarter, more connected, and technology-driven agriculture in local communities.
