Tacloban City, Leyte – ATI RTC 8 added another batch to the pool of master trainers for implementation of the Digital Farmers Program in various areas in Eastern Visayas. Thirty (30) AEWs and LS cooperators were trained on the 2 levels of the 3-level DFP program. DFP 101 and 102 aim to capacitate farmers, youth, and other stakeholders on basic digital tools such as smartphones and social media and more complex services such as e-commerce and online payment systems.
The Training of Trainers on DFP 101 and 102 aims to train extension workers in local government units and ATI-accredited Learning Sites who will implement the roll out in their respective areas. The participants went over the DFP toolkit, modules, and other resources. They also did a simulation of different in-training scenarios which could happen during the roll-out activities.
As expected, the AEWs were already knowledgeable in most of the agriculture apps taught in the DFP program but they admittedly mentioned that it will be in the teaching of these agri apps to farmers that they find most challenging. Issues on internet connectivity were also discussed during the training as it will affect the roll out. Not all areas in Eastern Visayas have stable internet connections. Nevertheless, the participants looked forward to their conduct of the DFP as they prepared their re-entry plans.
Mary Grace Rapis, one of the participants, shares, “I learned a lot, especially about the many applications for crops. I am an AT for livestock and there are only a few mobile applications for livestock. I also was happy to see familiar faces and the chance to reconnect with my co-participants. I thank the resource persons for the knowledge they shared that I can also share with the farmers when I go back.”
The TOT on DFP 102 and 102 Batch 2 was conducted on Sept. 20-22, 2022 in Hotel Estrella, Tacloban City.
