PLDT, Smart enable digital farming for women farmers in Bukidnon

WOMEN leaders and farmers from the Mantibugao Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries Farmers Cooperative (MARBFC) in Bukidnon Province recently received a technology and connectivity package from PLDT and Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart), through the coop’s partnership with the Philippines Partnership for Sustainable Agriculture (PPSA).

“We at PLDT and Smart are thankful for this opportunity to help empower the women farmers of Bukidnon, through digital technology and capacity building. This is perfectly aligned with our advocacy to help improve the quality of life of Filipinos through technology, particularly in the communities where we operate,” shared Smart Mindanao Relations Head Judee Chaves.

Part of the PPSA’s GrowHer project, this initiative capacitates women farmers in North Luzon and Mindanao in using technology tools for their farm businesses. “We are very lucky to have this opportunity. GrowHer has enabled us to impart new learnings to other farmers not just in our locality but also in nearby farming communities in Bukidnon,” said Evangeline Frasco, MARBFC General Manager.

Each partner farmer received a smartphone, a Smart Bro Pocket WiFi device, and Smart Prepaid load cards that they can use to access more agriculture-related information online and wider markets through e-commerce.“Technology will be a huge help for farmers and members of our cooperative to learn about the latest farming strategies. Additionally, with these smartphones, we can now do online selling, transact more efficiently, and coordinate with buyers,” shared Amelita Nieze, MARBFC leader.

Under PPSA’s GrowHer program, selected women farmers undergo capacity building on digital entrepreneurship, focusing on social media marketing and e-commerce, which they are expected to cascade to their co-farmers and coop members. For cooperative trainer Dessie Canto, digital technology now plays an important role in farming. “We should not be left behind in using new technologies. Through PLDT and Smart’s connectivity support, we can easily train MARBFC members and farmers,” she added.

These engagements with the PPSA and coops like MARBFC are part of the PLDT Group’s efforts to promote inclusive technologies that can help boost livelihood opportunities among farmers. This is also in line with the Group’s efforts to help the country achieve the UN Sustainable Development Goals, especially UNSDG No. 1 (No Poverty) and 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth). (PR)