Quezon Province – To further strengthen the capacity of farmers on digital tools and mobile technologies, the Agricultural Training Institute (ATI) CALABARZON in partnership with SMART Communications, Inc. implemented two (2) batches of Regional Rollout of Digital Farmers Program (DFP) 101 in Quezon province. A total of 20 farmers were trained on the basics of smartphone, accessing the internet, internet safety tips, agri-related applications and social media marketing. Also, 20 youth representatives assisted their farmer-partners in operating the mobile technology.
“Ang SMART katuwang ang DA-ATI ay binuo ang DFP 101 upang hikayatin ang ating mga farmers na maging bukas sa paggamit ng internet at iba’t ibang mobile technologies. Nais din nating buksan ang isipan ng mga kabataan na pasukin ang mundo ng Agrikultura upang mapalago ang industriyang ito. Matututunan ninyo kung paano makakatulong ang smartphones at ang mga mobile apps tulad ng Facebook, Google at Youtube para sa inyong kabuhayan. Hinihikayat namin ang participants na ugaliing sanayin ang kanilang mga matututunan,” video message delivered by Mr. Darwin F. Flores, Vice President of Community Partnership, SMART Communications, Inc. DFP 101 covers lecture and hands-on activity with the farmer-youth pairs to ease engagement and familiarity of the lessons.
Ms. Jamila Balmeo, Information Officer II, discussed smartphone 101, its parts, function, and uses, connecting to the internet and social media applications like Facebook and Google. On the other hand, Ms. Maridelle Jaurigue, Media Production Specialist II, tackled Youtube, internet safety basics and social media marketing through Facebook Marketplace. Moreover, Dr. Rolando V. Maningas, Information Officer III, provided actual demonstration in using Agri apps like Payong PAGASA, e-learning, Rice Crop Manager and Farmers Guide Map. Participants joined in the Facebook group exclusively created for their city/municipality and posted agricultural products in the Facebook group.
DFP 101 is an introductory course to the three-level program. It aims to encourage farmers to utilize smartphones, the internet, Agri apps, and social media marketing in boosting their farming productivity. DFP 101 Regional Rollout in Quezon province transpired in Lucena City and Gumaca on October 22 and 23, 2020, respectively.