PLDT and its wireless unit Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart) continue to empower farming communities in the Visayas through technology as it conducted a hybrid Digital Farmers Program (DFP) 101 Training of Trainers (TOT) Session with La Libertad farmer-entrepreneurs in Negros Oriental in collaboration with Advancement for Rural Kids (ARK).
“We at PLDT and Smart value the dedication of our Filipino farmers, and we always wanted to ensure that no farmer will be left behind. Through DFP, we hope to provide them with the digital knowledge they need, which are helpful to improve their livelihood today,” said Marylou Gocotano, GCC Stakeholder Management – Visayas Relations Head.
PLDT and Smart have been in partnership with ARK in boosting the livelihood of many farmers. This digital entrepreneurship training is part of PLDT and Smart’s support for ARK’s ARKita-Kita program which seeks to provide budding entrepreneurs with basic business skills that will empower them to pursue their own businesses.
Facilitated by Limitless Lab, field managers and storytellers from four partner communities of ARK were trained on how to effectively conduct the DFP training to the rest of the La Libertad farmers. The session covered the topics on the use of smartphone, accessing the internet, internet safety tips, Agri applications, and introduction to social media marketing.
“Our field managers and storytellers unlocked a new skill at Smart’s DFP Training. As Program Officer, I also learned the value of participatory learning especially for digital skills they can apply every day and in every way. We all look forward to passing these on to our farmpreneurs because I believe it will elevate their budding businesses and their daily lives,” said Iris Alonso, Progam Officer of ARK.
Smart’s DFP underscores the PLDT group’s commitment to help the country achieve the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal No. 8 on Decent Work and Economic Growth.
