SURIGAO CITY, Surigao del Norte – Geared towards the capacitation of Learning Sites for Agriculture (LSAs) and the Agricultural Extension Workers (AEWs), the Agricultural Training Institute – Regional Training Center (ATI-RTC) XIII conducted the Digital Agriculture Course (DAC) for Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (RCEF) Training of Trainers Batch 5 on May 29-31, 2024 at Almont Beach Resort.

There were 22 participants who joined the three-day training composed of LSA cooperators, AEWs, and ATI staff from the provinces of Surigao del Sur, Agusan del Sur, and Agusan del Norte.

"Through this training, the young ones and the young at heart meet to learn and explore the digital world. We are encouraging all to use the available agri apps and tools to get relevant information and use them in their farm activities," said ATI-RTC XIII OIC – Asst. Center Director Violeta T. Laguna, during her opening message.

Participants were oriented on various agri apps on rice and e-commerce platforms, created their Facebook pages, performed online transactions, learned the basics of social media marketing, and posted social media content using Canva to promote and sell their products online.

Lucina Lloren, one of the participants from Sahay Integrated Farm in Cabadbaran City, Agusan del Norte, said, “I am very thankful because honestly before this training, all I could do was text and call. I was afraid to scan and click unfamiliar buttons on my smartphone. This training is very useful to me and in future activities on our farm.”

Partakers from the farm school are expected to conduct a farmer-level DAC4RCEF training in coordination with the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority- Caraga.

Further, the said program is implemented in partnership with Smart Communications.