DA–Information and Communications Technology Service Director John Pagaduan (in blue) demonstrates the communication service system of the FARM App to DA Secretary Emmanuel Piñol.
DILIMAN, Quezon City—To digitally innovate ways in responding to farmers’ information needs and complaints, the Department of Agriculture (DA) recently launched the Fisheries and Agriculture Response Management (FARM) Citizens Application.
The FARM App is a 24/7 online-based help desk developed in coordination with key agencies and bureaus of the Department. It aims to address questions and concerns from farmers, particularly on plant and animal disease management, through chat or live messaging feature.
The app also has a geo-tagging system to identify the location of the farmer. Through this, farmers, fishers, and other citizens can easily communicate with the DA.
“We are now seeing a new era in communication,” DA Secretary Emmanuel Piñol said as he led the launching and ribbon-cutting ceremony for the new application. He added that FARM App strengthens the connectivity of the government with ordinary citizens.
The Agricultural Training Institute (ATI) is one of the key agencies involved in the operations of the new app. The ATI will form part of the mobile responders, together with the Bureau of Agriculture and Fisheries Standards; Bureau of Animal Industry; Bureau of Agricultural Research; Bureau of Soils and Water Management; Fertilizer and Pesticide Authority; National Meat Inspection Service; National Tobacco Administration; Philippine Fiber Development Authority; Philippine Council for Agriculture and Fisheries; Philippine Fisheries Development Authority; and, Sugar Regulatory Administration.
Director John Pagaduan of the DA–Information and Communications Technology Service provided the details of the project. He explained that the FARM App is downloadable on iOS and Android devices for free. Pagaduan also demonstrated how the app works from receiving queries to providing responses.
Prior to the launching, the DA conducted the training on Quick Response and Alert Mobile Application System for Agriculture and Fisheries. This was intended for the mobile responders among the agencies and bureaus involved in the FARM App.
The launching ceremony for the FARM App was held last March 12 in the Arturo Tanco Hall, DA compound in the said city.