By Kenneth Marcos 
In barangay halls and open farm sheds across Western Visayas, farmers gathered around tablets and portable screens, eager to see how technology could help solve everyday problems in the field. For many, it was their first hands-on experience with digital tools designed specifically for agriculture.
From January 27 to 29, 2026, the Agricultural Training Institute Region 6 conducted Digital Farmers Program Farm Tech monitoring in selected farmers’ associations and cooperatives in Antique, Guimaras, and Capiz. The activity aimed to ensure that modern farm technologies provided by the government are being properly used and continue to benefit farming communities.
The monitoring covered the La Rioja Farmers Association in Patnongon, Antique; the M. Chavez Unified Farmers Association in San Lorenzo, Guimaras; and the Agcabugao Multipurpose Cooperative in Cuartero, Capiz. These groups are among the beneficiaries of the Digital Farmers Program, a nationwide initiative that helps farmers access information and services through digital means.
ATI said the Digital Farmers Program Farm Tech package is a portable set of tools that allows farmers’ organizations to bring learning and technology directly to the field. Instead of traveling long distances to training centers, farmers can now access lessons, demonstrations, and online resources within their own communities.
Each Farm Tech package includes a utility bag with rain cover, a tablet, smartphones, a Smart Bro Pocket WiFi with starter load, a portable projector with a foldable screen, a sound system, and flash drives. It also comes with Digital Farmers Program Farm Learn modules, known as DFP 101, 102, and 103, along with other information and education materials related to agriculture.
According to ATI Region 6, the tools help improve access to updated farming techniques, weather information, market prices, and training videos. Internet connectivity, even in a portable form, allows farmers to search for solutions, attend online learning sessions, and communicate more easily with agricultural experts.
The Digital Farmers Program was launched in 2019 through a partnership among the Agricultural Training Institute, PLDT, and Smart. The program was created to help farmers adapt to modern technology and improve productivity, income, and resilience to challenges such as climate change and rising production costs.
Western Visayas is a major agricultural region producing rice, corn, sugarcane, and various fruits and vegetables. Many farmers in the area are smallholders who face limited access to information and training. ATI said digital tools can help bridge this gap by bringing knowledge closer to farmers and reducing dependence on traditional, face-to-face training alone.
During the monitoring visits, ATI staff checked the condition of the equipment, reviewed how often the tools were being used, and gathered feedback from farmers. Some organizations shared how the Farm Tech package helped them conduct group trainings, show instructional videos, and organize discussions on improved farming practices.
ATI emphasized that technology is not meant to replace farmers’ experience but to support better decision-making. When combined with proper training and community cooperation, digital tools can help improve yields, reduce losses, and strengthen livelihoods.
As ATI continues to expand the Digital Farmers Program, the agency encouraged farmers’ groups to maximize the use of the Farm Tech packages and share what they learn with fellow farmers. The success of the program, officials said, depends on active participation at the community level.
With continued monitoring and support, ATI hopes digital agriculture will become a practical and lasting part of farming in Western Visayas, helping farmers stay informed, connected, and competitive in a changing world.
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