QUEZON CITY, Philippines – On the March 8th episode of "Agri Asenso," DigiAgriHacki emerged as a featured initiative, highlighting innovative approaches to address challenges in the agricultural sector. Yovina-Claire Pauig, Chief of the e-Extension Management Section at the Agricultural Training Institute's (ATI) Information Services Division, shared the project’s vision, goals, and phased process.
DigiAgriHacki was conceptualized under the leadership of ATI Director Remelyn Recoter with a mission to engage the youth by leveraging their creativity and technical expertise. It seeks to identify and develop innovative solutions such as mobile apps, web-based platforms, and ICT-enabled tools that address key challenges in agriculture and fisheries.
Beyond innovation, the initiative seeks to impart participants with in-depth knowledge of the agricultural industry while promoting appreciation of its possibilities. Through exposing young innovators to firsthand experience gained from industry professionals, farmers, and fishermen, the program allows them to understand the realities, challenges, and initiatives that govern the sector, such as mechanization, digitalization, and smart agriculture technologies. DigiAgriHacki serves not only as a learning platform but also as a space where practical and impactful solutions can be conceptualized and implemented.
The program unfolds in three phases, aligned with a structured development process. Phase 1 constitutes a series of ideation workshops in Iloilo City, Cavite, Tuguegarao City, and Cagayan de Oro City, during which participants dissect agricultural and fishery scenarios, particularize problems, and ideate digital solutions.
Only the first three groups per region advance to Phase 2. During the second stage, members go through a week-long boot camp that takes place in Quezon City. The stage consists of rigorous sessions, lectures, and discussions on ICT applications, current technologies on agriculture, and start-up mechanisms.
The project plans of the teams are fine-tuned at the boot camp and pitch their solutions, where the top five teams only go through to Phase 3.
The last phase is the awarding ceremony and demonstration day, again conducted in Quezon City. Teams present their prototypes, and the top three winners receive cash rewards, financing opportunities from ATI and partner institutions, as well as involvement in DICT initiatives such as the Philippine Start-up Challenge, Geeks on the Beach, and mentorship programs.
The program is open to college students from Cagayan Valley, CALABARZON, Western Visayas, and Northern Mindanao who are currently enrolled in fields like agriculture, fisheries, computer science, environmental studies, or data science. Participants form teams of two to three members, accompanied by a coach, mentor, or school representative. Interested teams submit their team profile and school endorsement to the nearest ATI Regional Training Center.
By redefining hackathons as collaborative problem-solving opportunities, DigiAgriHacki bridges the gap between innovation and the needs of the agricultural sector. It inspires creativity, equips participants with essential knowledge, and prepares them to contribute meaningfully to the future of agriculture and fisheries of a Masaganang Bagong Pilpinas.
