The Agricultural Training Institute (ATI) in MIMAROPA successfully conducted the three-day Training of Trainers (TOT) on the Digital Farmers Program (DFP) 101–102 on April 8-10, 2026, at Ala Amid Bed and Breakfast, where 32 Agricultural Extension Workers (AEWs) and farmer leaders from the province participated.
The TOT-DFP aimed to strengthen the knowledge and skills of AEWs and farmer leaders in using digital tools, enabling them to better support farmers and communities in adopting modern agricultural practices.
During the opening program, Center Director Pat Andrew B. Barrientos delivered a message through a pre-recorded video. He emphasized the importance of the DFP in advancing agricultural modernization and highlighted the critical role of trainers in promoting innovation and digital transformation in the agriculture sector.
In the said TOT-DFP, participants enhanced their knowledge and skills in using smartphones, learning the proper use of the internet and the importance of online safety. Among the agri-apps introduced to them were AccuWeather, GPS Fields Area Measure, Plant Doctor, e-Learning, and SpidTech.
The participants also learned how to maximize social media platforms such as Facebook, Google, and YouTube as tools for marketing agricultural products and improving livelihood opportunities. For e-commerce, they were trained on how to effectively promote and sell products using Shopee, Lazada, and Facebook Pages.
The training included hands-on activities using Canva for poster design, and each participant developed social media marketing plans. Another important lesson was the use of Maya for online payments, where they successfully created their own accounts.
One of the highlights of the TOT was the microteaching session, where participants were grouped into nine teams to deliver presentations aimed at preparing them as trainers in their respective communities. Each participant also submitted a re-entry plan that will guide the implementation of DFP 101–102 in their local areas to address local challenges.
The TOT-DFP is an important step toward a more digital and progressive agricultural sector.
