Around 100 rice farmers from various barangays in Aurora participated in the first-ever Rice Information Campaign spearheaded by the Agricultural Training Institute - Central Luzon at Brgy. Suklayin, Baler on May 14, 2026.
Carrying the theme “Advancing Rice Farming through Digital Farming,” the activity aimed to equip farmers with modern agricultural knowledge and promote the adoption of digital technologies in rice production.
The program officially opened with a welcome message from Acting Municipal Agriculturist Ronnie L. Mata of Baler, Aurora, who emphasized the importance of information caravans in transforming farmers’ behavior and encouraging technology adoption in agriculture.
John Patrick S. Gutierez, Information Officer II and Project Officer, then presented an overview of the activity, explaining its objectives for participating farmers.
The discussion proper featured updates on the Masagana Rice Industry Development Plan and the current rice industry situation in Central Luzon and Aurora province. Christian T. Ramos, Deputy Rice Focal Person of Department of Agriculture - Regional Field Office III, highlighted the agency’s agricultural programs and initiatives aimed at strengthening the rice sector.
Meanwhile, Meamette Y. Rosario, Technical Support Staff IV, discussed the Digital Farmers Program, which focuses on introducing digital tools and mobile applications that can help farmers improve productivity and farm management.
An open forum followed, giving participants the opportunity to raise concerns and ask questions to the resource speakers. Among the key issues discussed were the reliability of mobile applications for farming and the continuing low price of palay.
To conclude the activity, selected participants shared their impressions and insights gained from the training.
“Nagpapasalamat po kami sa ATI sa pagbibigay ng mahalagang kaalaman at kasanayan tungkol sa makabagong pamamaraan ng pagsasaka. Sa kabila ng maikling oras ng ating pagsasama, marami po kaming natutuhan na makatutulong upang higit pang mapaunlad ang aming kabuhayan at pamamahala sa aming mga taniman. Umaasa po kami na madaragdagan pa ang mga ganitong programa upang mas marami pang magsasaka ang makinabang at magkaroon ng mas maayos at masaganang produksyon," said Benedict Callonge, chairman of the Buhangin Rice Farmers Association.
The Rice Information Campaign forms part of ATI-CL’s continuing efforts to modernize agriculture and empower farmers through digital innovation and information-driven farming practices.
