The initiative, carried out in partnership with the Department of Agriculture–Agricultural Training Institute (DA-ATI) Region V, aims to equip DFP-certified faculty trainers and agricultural extension workers across the Bicol Region with tools for community-based digital learning.
“PLDT and Smart’s partnership with CBSUA and DA-ATI reflects our commitment to supporting farming communities through digital inclusion,” said Stephanie V. Orlino, AVP and head of stakeholder engagement at PLDT and Smart.
A portable toolkit for smarter farming
The FarmTech kit is a mobile training package designed to help farmer organizations—especially those in remote areas—gain access to digital tools, connectivity, and curated learning materials. Each kit includes 10 smartphones, a trainer’s tablet, a Smart Bro Pocket WiFi with starter load, a portable projector, speaker, microphone, and agriculture-related digital learning modules.
FarmTech is a key component of the award-winning Digital Farmers Program, jointly implemented by PLDT, Smart, and DA-ATI.
Empowering Bicol through digital literacy
The newly turned-over kit will enable CBSUA faculty members and agricultural extension workers to lead digital literacy sessions focused on smartphone use, internet navigation, market information access, and technology-enabled farming practices.
Karlos Miguel Haber, director of CBSUA’s Digital Agriculture and Innovation Center, highlighted the value of the collaboration.
“CBSUA has built strong partnerships with both government and the private sector, forming a unified front to advance agricultural technology for our farming communities,” he said. “One of our shared goals is to equip farmers with digital skills and introduce smart farming practices.”
Local agriculture workers have also seen the program’s early impact. Basil D. Arlayusa, agriculture technologist of the Municipal Agriculture Office of Pili, noted that FarmTech opens opportunities for farmers to learn essential digital skills that improve crop yields and productivity.
“This partnership is more than technology—it’s about empowering our farmers to embrace innovation and secure a sustainable future for Bicol agriculture,” added Elsa Parot, center director of DA-ATI Region V.
Through DFP, PLDT, Smart, and DA-ATI continue to strengthen digital resilience in farming communities nationwide, ensuring that Filipino farmers thrive in an increasingly connected world. —Ed: Corrie S. Narisma
