BUTUAN CITY- Two staff from the Agricultural Training Institute-Regional Training Center (ATI-RTC) 13 participated in the Digital Farmers Program 101 Training of Trainers (TOT) webinar starting June 29-July 3, 2020.

Information Services Section Chief Fil Victor A. Babanto together with Ginalyn V. Arbutante, Information Officer II both from ATI-Caraga represented the center. This was also joined by the Information Services Section (ISS) staff from the different regional centers of ATI.

The said training aimed at equipping ATI staff on how to deliver learning to the farmers and youth who will be engaged in the DFP.

Moreover, the DFP aims to equip farmers with the knowledge, information, and skills on digital tools and technologies, including smartphone applications social media platforms, and agriculture application to finance and e-commerce platforms, entrepreneurship and smart farming technologies, in order to help them make better farming decisions, improve efficiencies, access more market opportunities, and enhance their livelihood.

The Digital Farmers Program also engages the youth, who are more tech-savvy, to guide the farmers in using the digital tools and to enjoin them to continue building the agriculture industry in the country.

ATI National Director Alfredo S. Aton gave his message during the opening program. According to him, through the DFP, we aim to promote the use of ICTs in agriculture for improving agricultural production and profit, and consequently enhancing value chains.

On the other hand, Mr. Ramon R. Isberto, from Smart Communications inspires everyone to continue doing what is best for the stakeholders all over the region even through virtual learning. “Let’s all work together to help build a nation where no farmer is left behind”, quoted Isberto.

The five-day training was spearheaded by the ATI-Central Office in partnership with the Smart Communications which served as moderators and facilitators during the webinar.