With its goal to introduce the latest digital applications to farmers and extension workers, the Agricultural Training Institute-Central Luzon (ATI-CL) spearheaded the 1st Digital Agriculture Congress and Techno Gabay Program (TGP) Summit in Angeles City, Pampanga with more than 150 participants on December 6-7, 2022.
With the theme “Digitalization of Agriculture, Shaping Central Luzon’s Digital Future,” the participants, which consisted of Learning Site for Agriculture Cooperators and TGP implementers, joined the 2-day event emphasizing the role of digitalization in the agriculture sector.
The event covered plenary sessions on different topics on digitalization of agriculture; awards night; and sharing of best practices among FITS Centers and LSA FITS Kiosks.
Mr. Mark Anthony Subido of SGS Philippines, Inc. discussed a topic under the precision agriculture technology – Precision Gateway: The Turn Key Application. In addition, Mr. Willy C. Odiza of Grains Innovation & Solutions Co., Inc. introduced the DJI Agricultural Drone Sprayer Agras +30 to be used in the fertilizer application in the farms. Meanwhile, Ms. Ma. Elena P. Van Tooren of East-West Seed Foundation explained the Digital Tools for the Modern Farmer to the participants.
Another resource person is Ms. Kristine G. Magadia from Smart & PLDT who discussed the Digital Farmers Program, which is a collaboration between Smart and ATI. Moreover, Mr. John Carlo Landayan, a student from Central Luzon State University, shared the AI Crop Prediction Fertilizer Recommendation System. Further, Mr. Elvin Laceda of RiceUP Farmers, Inc. tackled the SAKAHON, which is a marketing application for farmers.
“Imagine sa age ko na ito as a senior citizen with my long experience eh may natutunan pa ako through the Digital Agriculture Congress and Digital Farmers Program. Napakaganda ng programang ito at napakarami po naming natutunan especially with SAKAHON na naging tulay itong congress para magkaroon kami ng partnership sa kanila,” said Ms. Imelda Inieto, an LSA Cooperator and one of the participants of the event.
Part of the congress is the Awards Night wherein the TGP pioneers and practitioners were recognized. The pioneers recognized were: Dr. Yolanda Guillermo of Tarlac Agricultural University; Dr. Jovita B. Agliam of OPA-Nueva Ecija; Ms. Janet L. Saturno of Central Luzon State University (CLSU); Mr. Crisostomo Rabaca of OPA-Zambales; Ms. Leah R. Lombres of OPA-Aurora; Ms. Rachelle Liberato of CLSU-CLAARRDEC; and Dr. Fe L. Porciuncula of CLSU.
Further, the outstanding Farmers Information and Technology Services (FITS) Centers for selected provinces were also proclaimed: FITS Maria Aurora for Aurora; FITS Anao for Tarlac; FITS Castillejos for Zambales and FITS Sto. Domingo for Nueva Ecija.
ATI-CL also awarded the Tarlac Agricultural University (TAU) as the best TGP implementer in Central Luzon. TAU has been in-charge of the implementation of the said modality even when the program was turned over to the provincial offices thus their activities and other projects within the province were sustained through their leadership and guidance.
The entries of the Learning Sites for Agriculture for the contests (vlogging, TikTok Challenge, smartphone photography, Canva poster making, and ATI reels) were also shown during the awards night. Following the showcase was the awarding of the winners for the said contests.
During the second day, Ms. Emelita Flores, FITS Manager of Sto. Domingo, Nueva Ecija, shared their best practices to the participants for them to pick-up activities that can be replicated to their respective offices. Following Ms. Flores were Mr. Alvin Butay of FITS Anao, Tarlac; and Ms. Janice Sardo of FITS Castillejos, Zambales, who also shared their best practices as well as other activities and projects to sustain the TGP in their respective areas.
“Hindi lamang opportunity ang binigay kundi pati benchmark para mas mapaunlad pa ang FITS Centers ng ating bayan. Na-appreciate ko po yung mga napiling topics dahil napakarelevant and timely ng mga naituro dito sa event na ito,” said Mr. Ceff Jr Basa, one of the participants and TGP coordinator of Bulacan.
Ms. Frianina Resplandor of Myriad Farms in Nueva Ecija and Mr. Rafael Pagaling of Zennor Hydroponics Farm in Zambales also showcased their best practices and activities to the participants as LSA FITS Kiosks. They served as the models for other LSAs to come LSA FITS Kiosks in the future.
During the closing program, ATI-CL turned over the ICT equipment for the enhanced FITS Centers of the year. The following FITS Centers were the recipients of the said enhancement:
- FITS Dinalungan, Aurora;
- FITS OPA-Bataan;
- FITS San Isidro, Nueva Ecija;
- FITS Magalang, Pampanga;
- FITS Palauig, Zambales; and
- FITS OPA-Bulacan.
In addition, the following LSAs were also granted with equipment for the establishment of LSA FITS Kiosks in their farms:
- Angel Tolits Integrated Farm; and
- Merryland Integrated Farm and Training Center, Inc.
“Napag-usapan po namin last time ng aming mga farmers ang digitalization in agriculture, at ang activity na ito ay parang answered prayer kasi meron na palang programang ganito ang ATI so expect po na itatap po namin kayo para naman po matuto ang aming mga farmers sa San Marcelino,” said Mr. Remin Sardo, Municipal Agriculturist of San Marcelino, Zambales. He said that they will surely connect with ATI to help the farmers in their municipality in the digitalization of agriculture.
Mr. Victorio Joson, Jr., Municipal Agriculturist of San Ildefonso, Bulacan, also shared that they were inspired with the discussions and best practices shared during the event. “Talagang timely and relevant ang mga topics na nadiscuss. Kailangan na talaga nating i-upgrade ang pagbibigay ng serbisyo sa ating mga magsasaka. Nainspire po kami at sana next na kami na magbibigay ng best practices,” he revealed.
This event is the first of its kind to be implemented throughout the Philippines. The next one will be conducted in the following years in Central Luzon. (EDLanada)
