CANTILAN, Surigao del Sur. In pursuit to the promotion of digital literacy and smart agricultural practices among local farmers in Caraga Region, the Agricultural Training Institute – Regional Training Center (ATI-RTC) XIII conducted the Farm Learn: Digital Farmers Program 101 and 102 on April 24-26, 2024, at Hotel Karajaw.

The training aims to encourage the farmers and youth to embrace the role of information and communication technology (ICT) in maximizing the digital tools available in agriculture today.

Through hands-on demonstrations and interactive sessions, a total of 30 participants were introduced to various aspects of digital agriculture, including social media platforms like Facebook, climate, and weather monitoring applications, and advanced Agri applications such as the Rice Crop Manager, AgriDOC app, Binhing Palay, Rice Doctor, and Pinoy Rice Knowledge Bank. Moreover, e-commerce platforms, QR codes, and online payment transactions were also discussed.

Resource speakers were Maria Den B. Parro, Sophia Jadassah Moleta, and Ressell Angelie S. Fetalsana, all from the Information Services Section (ISS) of ATI.

"The knowledge and skills I acquired during the training programs have equipped me with the confidence and capability to contribute meaningfully to Cantilan's agricultural development. I am excited to apply what I've learned and collaborate with fellow farmers and stakeholders to harness the full potential of digital technology in agriculture,” expressed Chrisford S. Torial, one of the participants and the 4-H Club President of Cantilan, Surigao del Sur.

Looking ahead, the Phase 2 of the Farm Learn: Digital Farmers Program 103 is scheduled on May 14-17, 2024.