In today's digital age, technology continues to revolutionize various sectors, and agriculture is no exception. Leading integrated telco network PLDT Inc (PLDT) and its wireless subsidiary Smart Communications, Inc (Smart), together with the Department of Agriculture - Agricultural Training Institute (DA-ATI), have taken a bold step towards transforming the agricultural landscape with a unique initiative.
This program, known as the Digital Farmers Program (DFP), is an award-winning digital inclusion program aimed at providing tech access to farmers, particularly those in remote regions. The initiative is designed to empower farmers to harness technology in their quest for livelihood.
As a significant part of the DFP, the telco launched FarmTech, a high-tech farmers training kit. This innovative solution is crafted to empower farmer groups and agri-co-ops, equipping them with digital literacy training programs for their members, including those in the remotest areas.
The FarmTech package comprises a tablet, ten smartphones, a Smart Bro Pocket Wifi with Smart Prepaid load cards, an outdoor projector, a projector screen, a portable sound system, a flash drive brimming with multimedia learning resources and apps, and DA-ATI learning materials.
The first beneficiaries of the FarmTech packages were two affiliate farm groups, Myriad Farms of Guimba, Nueva Ecija, and Samahan ng mga Pangulo ng Magsasaka of Morong, Rizal. This marked the dawn of a new era for these farming communities that have long been deprived of the benefits of technology.
“There are numerous apps and digital solutions that we can integrate into the DFP. With the help of PLDT and Smart, these can now reach the farthest corners of the Philippines,” affirmed DA-ATI Dir. Remelyn R. Recoter. She expressed optimism that FarmTech would be instrumental in motivating farmers to leverage technology in their livelihood.
Standing at the forefront of this digital transformation is PLDT and Smart's integrated fixed and wireless networks that span the entire country. Stephanie V. Orlino, AVP and head of Stakeholder Management at PLDT and Smart, emphasized the company's commitment to invest in infrastructure to provide meaningful connections to Filipinos across the country, furthering their livelihood and digital inclusion advocacies, particularly for the agricultural sector.
In collaboration with DA-ATI, the vision is to enable the digital transformation of farmer groups and agri coops throughout the nation, thereby building a genuinely digitally-enabled agriculture sector.
FarmTech represents the latest addition to the DFP, a product of the long-standing partnership between PLDT and Smart with DA-ATI. Established in 2019, the DFP aims to make technology and digital solutions more accessible to Filipino farmers.
Despite being a country that heavily relies on its agricultural sector, Filipino farmers are often marginalized in terms of economics and technology. Many are located in rural areas and unable to pursue further education. Aging farmers also tend to be tech-averse, preferring old-school touchpad phones over smartphones.
Promoting inclusive technologies that can help boost livelihood opportunities among farmers and fisherfolk is a key priority of the DFP. This aligns with the Group’s efforts to support the government’s overall digitalization thrust, and to help the country achieve the UN Sustainable Development Goals, particularly UNSDG #1 (No Poverty) and 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth).
As we move towards a sustainable and inclusive future, initiatives like FarmTech play an instrumental role. They empower farming communities with digital tools and mobile technologies, paving the way for #SustainableAgriculture and #InclusiveGrowth.
No comments:
Post a Comment