Farmers belonging to the LIBADATATAMA Irrigators Association in Oroquieta City, Misamis Occidental, now have easier access to modern farming knowledge and digital solutions through the FarmTech package recently turned over by the Department of Agriculture–Agricultural Training Institute Region 10. The initiative falls under the wider Digital Farmers Program, a partnership between DA-ATI, PLDT, and Smart Communications designed to bring digital inclusion to farming communities across the country.
With nearly 900 members and almost 50 years of service to local farmers, LIBADATATAMA already has a strong foundation in the community. The new FarmTech package builds on this network, putting digital learning materials and practical agricultural information directly within reach of its members. It includes digital tools and learning resources that guide farmers in adopting better farming techniques, finding useful information, and using technology to support their daily farm operations.
For association treasurer Angie Yañez, technology has become a reliable way to both learn and pass on knowledge. Since she began using digital tools in 2022, Yañez has been sharing what she discovers with other farmers, helping more people see how technology can make their work easier and more productive. Leahpen Saratao, another farmer, says the biggest advantage is having information right at their fingertips. Through smartphone apps, they can research rice varieties, find input suppliers, and check key details like the number of days before harvest.
“FarmTech is a great help to us because it makes learning and applying farming practices easier. We no longer have to wait for someone to visit our farms to teach us. We can learn and apply these practices ourselves,” Saratao explained.
Beyond immediate benefits to individual farmers, the program carries broader policy significance. It advances digital literacy in rural areas and empowers farmers to make informed decisions that affect their livelihoods. It also aligns with key global development goals: working toward zero hunger by boosting productivity and incomes, promoting decent work and economic growth through improved skills, and building stronger rural infrastructure by expanding digital access in communities where connectivity has long been a challenge.
