Three (3) farmer-cooperators of the Agricultural Training Institute-Regional Training Center I (ATI-RTC I) who are members of 1 SIKAT (Samahang Itinataguyod ang Kaunlaran ng Agri-Turismo sa Rehiyon Uno, Inc.) made it to the top 10 winners of the 1st Digital Farmers Program (DFP) Online Community Contest with #KwentongDFP, which was announced on facebook last April 18, 2020. The competition was in collaboration with ATI and Smart Communications, Inc.
The program intends to connect high technology-adaptability skills of the participants who underwent DFP 101 training, and use the digital technology as their tool in exchanging ideas and practices in farming.
Most of the DFP 101 participants all over the Philippines participated in the said contest. However, DFP chose only 10 entries that showed the best sharing of what they have learned from DFP 101 training. ATI-RTC I farmer-cooperators and 1 SIKAT members, Ms. Lea Astrude Santiago of Our Farm Republic (OFR) in Mangatarem, Pangasinan; Ms. Lilia Cacbay of Cacbay Organic Farm (COFarm) in Alaminos City, Pangasinan; and, Ms. Vickee Padilla of Agro-Technical Assistance and Livelihood Opportunities in the North, Inc. (AGTALON, Inc.) in Manaoag, Pangasinan were included in the top 10. They received a free cellphone load from DFP and Smart Communication Inc.
Ms. Lea Astrude Santiago of OFR said that through DFP 101, she was able to see that everyone has a story worth sharing. “Daming magandang kuwento ang kabataan at ang mga magsasaka na kadalasan hindi naipapamalita sa TV. Ang good news dahil sa app ng mga smartphones pwedeng pwede na itong maipamahagi at ishare sa buong mundo,” Ms. Santiago said.
Ms. Lilia Cacbay of COFarm believed that learning is a continuous process. “Sa edad ng 67 ay naniniwala ako na learning is a continuous process kaya nakikisabay din ako sa ganitong exercises ng DFP para ang limited na kaalaman ko sa paggamit ng SmartPhone ay mahasa at sana madagdagan pa para makapagbahagi rin ng mga natutunan ko sa kapwa ko farmers,” Ms. Cacbay stated. Through DFP 101, she learned how to use smartphone. Thus, she is now able to search new technologies online that are applicable in her own farm.
Ms. Vickee Padilla of AGTALON, Inc. said that DFP 101 changed her perspective about the digital technology. “Paglawak ng aking pananaw sa isang teknolohiya na akala pangkabataan lang. Ang social media sa Pilipinas ay hinog na para makasabay sa mga kabataan ang mga magsasaka at may edad na tulad ko upang tuklasin ang lumalawak na oportunidad na pwedeng ibigay nito sa larangan ng agrikultura,” Ms. Padilla expressed.
The competition was organized not only to enhance the ability of the members in using smartphones but also to prepare them for the DFP 102 and 103.