A year after PLDT and its wireless arm, Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart) sealed a partnership with Mennonite Economic Development Associates (MEDA), the collaboration continues to make significant strides in empowering cacao farmers in the Davao region in Mindanao.
Together with the Department of Agriculture-Agriculture Training Institute (DA-ATI), the Digital Farmers Program was introduced to cacao farmers to enhance their mobile literacy and familiarize them with various digital tools and applications. These innovations aim to boost farm productivity and improve livelihoods, especially for cacao farmers in Davao region, the country’s top producer of cacao. Davao region accounts for 80% of the country’s total cacao production, according to DA-Davao.
“PLDT and Smart are committed to ensuring that Davao’s cacao farmers and small businesses can thrive in the digital economy. Equipping them with digital tools, knowledge, and sustainable farming practices will not only empower them to grow their businesses but also enable them to make even greater contributions to the region’s agricultural sector,” said Stephanie V. Orlino, PLDT and Smart’s Head of Stakeholder Management.
Since 2024, the partnership has helped reach over 300 cacao farmers across rural communities and helping them adopt modern farming practices. Participants learned to use mobile technology for crop monitoring, financial management, and accessing market trends. MEDA complemented this initiative by providing specialized training in sustainable farming techniques and resource optimization, ensuring a holistic approach to agricultural development.
“Learning about these applications is a great help to us farmers as it enables us to monitor weather conditions accurately, allowing us to make informed decisions on the best time to plant and the most suitable areas for cultivation,” shared Lizabeth Gabonada of the MIEDECO cooperative.
The success of the Digital Farmers Program is testament to the transformative power of technology and collaboration, helping pave the way for a more resilient and sustainable agricultural sector in the Philippines. The partnership has also been recognized by various international and local award-giving bodies for its outstanding collaboration and impact, further highlighting the importance of digital inclusion in helping modernize agriculture.
PLDT and Smart continue to promote digital inclusion by expanding livelihood opportunities and supporting food security across the country through their network and innovation. This initiative also aligns with the UN Sustainable Development Goals 1 (No Poverty) and 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth).
