DILIMAN, Quezon City—The Agricultural Training Institute (ATI) and PLDT and Smart Communications, Inc. unveiled Farm Tech, a new component of the partnership project, Digital Farmers Program (DFP).
The DFP Farm Tech is a package of technology that serves as a portable training and livelihood resource for farming communities. It intends to enable farmers organizations and ATI-certified Learning Sites for Agriculture (LSA) bring the DFP trainings in their respective municipalities, especially the hard-to-reach areas, through provision of access to technology, connectivity, and agriculture-related content.
“The aim of Farm Tech is to minimize the gap between those who have access to digital technologies and those who do not have. What we have already achieved in DFP is a testament of our commitment to contribute to the transformation of the agriculture sector towards a digitally-enabled one,” Stephanie Orlino, PLDT and Smart Assistant Vice President and Head of Stakeholder Management, noted as she hoped to empower farming communities all over the country through the new component.
Launched during the Institute’s 37th anniversary celebration, a show-and-tell portion was conducted to demonstrate the use of each technology included in the package.
Additionally, a ceremonial turnover was held to select beneficiaries from Regions CALABARZON and Central Luzon. LSA Myriad Farms from Guimba, Nueva Ecija, and Rice-based farmers federation Samahan ng mga Pangulo ng Magsasaka ng Morong from Rizal each received a DFP Farm Tech Package.
“This will greatly help us reach more farmers in far-flung barangays in Guimba and our neighboring municipalities. Rest assured that we will see through our commitment and passion to continue helping educate our local farmers,” Frianina Resplandor, co-owner of Myriad Farms, said as she delivered their message of commitment.
“Sa pamamagitan ng mga seminar at sa indibidwal na paraan upang makatulong, ipamumulat po naming ang kahalagahan ng teknolohiya. [Through seminars and one-on-one sessions, we will help promote the importance of modern technologies in farming.], Fidel Sta. Catalina, Vice President of Samahan ng mga Pangulo ng Magsasaka ng Morong, added.
This year, a total of 30 DFP Farm Tech packages are expected to be deployed nationwide through the ATI Network of Regional Training Centers (RTCs).
The DFP Farm Tech was a result of training support consultation and ideation sessions with the ATI RTCs, select LSA cooperators, and farmers organization representatives. For its first iteration, the package consists of a utility bag with rain cover; tablet; smartphones; Smart Bro Pocket Wifi with starter load; portable daylight projector and foldable projector screen; portable sound system; flash drives; and DFP Farm Learn (DFP 101, 102, 103) training modules and other agriculture-related information, education, communication materials.
The DFP, established by the ATI and PLDT and Smart in 2019, is a comprehensive program which aims to foster the widespread adoption of modern agricultural technologies. It encompasses digital literacy training, networking opportunities, digital resource provision, and smart farm certification.
The launch was held on February 2, 2024 at the Rural Development and Education Center.
