PLDT and its wireless unit, Smart Communications, Inc., shared how digital tools can help farmers during the recent Grow Asia Innovation Challenge Learning Labs.
The companies presented the Digital Farmers Program (DFP), which they run in partnership with the Department of Agriculture–Agricultural Training Institute (DA-ATI). The program trains smallholder farmers to use digital technology to improve productivity, gain better access to markets, and support sustainable and climate-ready practices.
“Through our collaboration with DA-ATI for DFP, we aim to enable the digital transformation of farmers across the country and build a truly digitally enabled agriculture sector,” said Stephanie Orlino, AVP and head of Stakeholder Management at PLDT and Smart.
DFP was featured during the “Digital Adoption and Literacy in the Digital Farmers Program” session at the two-day virtual Learning Labs event, which supported top finalists of the Grow Asia Innovation Challenge 2025 in the Philippines. PLDT and Smart are also members of the Philippines Partnership for Sustainable Agriculture.
Dr. Merrian Piquero Soliva, Information Officer III and Information Services Chief of DA-ATI Regional Training Center 7, shared real-life experiences of how the program has helped farmers in local communities.
A workshop during the session focused on creating digital tools that are easy to use and designed specifically for farmers. The discussion also looked at how to encourage wider use and long-term impact of these tools in rural areas.
The Digital Farmers Program is part of the PLDT Group’s larger #FarmSmart initiative. This effort uses technology to support Filipino farmers and agripreneurs by increasing efficiency, improving market links, and encouraging inclusive growth.
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