In rural Misamis Oriental, where many farmers still rely on traditional methods, access to digital tools can mean the difference between subsistence and sustainable growth. To provide farmers and extension workers access to digital learning and training tools, the Department of Agriculture – Agricultural Training Institute (DA-ATI) Region 10, in partnership with PLDT and its wireless arm Smart Communications, Inc., has equipped farmer-trainers in Alubijid, Misamis Oriental with a FarmTech package, enabling them to advance digital farming practices and improve livelihoods.
Through the Digital Farmers Program (DFP), members of the Binigwayan, Guinutang, Al Tubo, Tipulonan Farmers Irrigators Association (BIGATFIA) were trained to maximize mobile applications and digital tools, including apps for selecting palay seeds and monitoring weather patterns. Using the FarmTech training kit, they can now share their knowledge gained from the DFP session with other farmers, promoting wider technological adoption in the area.
BIGATFIA President Manolito Emar, who has been farming for more than 25 years, recognizes the importance of embracing new technologies. “If we don’t explore modern ways of farming, farmers will be left behind. With FarmTech, we can now train more farmers about digital farming and help make their work more efficient. We thank DA-ATI, PLDT, and Smart for providing us with gadgets to use in teaching, and the Municipal Agriculturist Office (MAO) of Alubijid for guiding us. We have learned many new things that we can apply to our farms,” he said.
The FarmTech package includes mobile devices, connectivity support, and access to agriculture-focused platforms which help farmers make informed decisions, boost productivity, and reach broader markets.
For Harbey Businos, MAO Alubijid’s agri-technologist, the initiative goes beyond technology. “The FarmTech package is more than just the gadgets—it is a bridge of knowledge. Through the support of DA-ATI 10, PLDT, and Smart, our Digital Farmers Program graduates are now equipped to re-echo what they have learned, empowering fellow farmers in their communities to embrace technology for more progressive and sustainable agriculture.”
This initiative is part of PLDT and Smart’s broader commitment to promoting digital inclusion in agriculture, helping farmers harness technology for productivity, resilience, and sustainability. It also contributes to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)—particularly SDG 1 (No Poverty), SDG 2 (Zero Hunger), and SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth)—by improving access to resources and enhancing livelihood opportunities in rural communities. [END]
About PLDT
PLDT is the Philippines’ largest fully integrated telco company. Through its principal business groups — from fixed line to wireless — PLDT offers a wide range of telecommunications and digital services across the Philippines’ most extensive fiber optic backbone, and fixed line and cellular networks.
PLDT is listed on the Philippine Stock Exchange (PSE:TEL) and its American Depositary Shares are listed on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE:PHI). PLDT has one of the largest market capitalizations among Philippine — listed companies.
Further information can be obtained by visiting www.pldt.com
About Smart Communications
Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart) is a wholly owned wireless communications and digital services subsidiary of PLDT, Inc., the Philippines’ largest and only integrated telecommunications company. Smart serves approximately 96% of the country’s cities and municipalities with its combined 2G, 3G, 4G LTE, and 5G network, providing mobile communications services, high-speed internet connectivity, and access to digital services and content to over 62.9 million Filipinos as of June 2023, supporting the country’s growing digital economy, and providing the best customer experience for an increasingly digital Filipino lifestyle.
