Youth representative teaches the farmer participant on the use of smart phone during the Digital Farmers Program (DFP) 101 in Alfonso, Cavite on July 17, 2019.
ALFONSO, Cavite – With the goal of advancing technology in farming, the Agricultural Training Institute (ATI) CaLaBaRZon and SMART Communications, Inc. partner in implementing the Digital Farmers Program (DFP). The program is an exploratory project between ATI and SMART with the aim of teaching small-scale farmers with basic digital tools and technologies, particularly social media. It consists of ladderized approach: Beginner (DFP 101), Intermediate (102) and Advance (103).
To start off the implementation of the program, ATI CaLaBaRZon and SMART Communications, Inc. conduct the DFP 101 with its pilot batch from Alfonso, Cavite. ATI CaLaBaRZon expressed full support to the program, “Ang ATI at SMART ay patuloy na magtutulungan para matagumpay na maipatupad ang Digital Farmers Program. Nawa ang programang ito ay lubos na makatulong para sa ikauunlad at ikagiginhawa ng ating mga magsasakang Pilipino hindi lamang dito sa CaLaBaRZon pati na rin sa buong Pilipinas. Makiisa tayo sa ikatatagumpay ng programa,” highlighted by Ms. Marites P. Cosico, Center Director of ATI CaLaBaRZon, as she discussed the overview of DFP. A total of 34 farmers and youth representatives eagerly participated in the activity. Participants were introduced to Smartphone features and operation, social media applications (facebook, youtube, telegram), search engines, internet safety tips, phonetography and videography 101. Farmers learned to create their personal social media account with the assistance of youth representatives. Moreover, probe Media Foundation Inc. shared information in creating stories through “Kwentuhang Agri.” Pairs produced a one-minute video presentation on how to tell a story. After the one-day training on DFP 101, each pair will develop and produce two to three minutes video related to agriculture. Winners will receive corresponding prizes and will advance to DFP 102 for a two-day training.
The pilot batch of DFP 101 kicked off in Alfonso, Cavite on July 17, 2017. Another batch of DFP 101 will be held in Lobo, Batangas on July 19, 2019 and Tanay, Rizal on July 24, 2019.