THE Department of Agriculture - Agricultural Training Institute (DA-ATI) Davao Region has earmarked over P15 million to modernize and strengthen the region’s agricultural sector. The funding will support a range of initiatives, including a digital farmers' program, drone technology, rice production, climate resilience, and capacity-building efforts.
With 36 workshops planned across the region, each catering to 30 participants, the initiative aims to enhance farmers’ knowledge of sustainable practices and modern technologies to boost productivity and climate resilience.
During a press conference on February 21, 2025, DA-ATI-Davao information officer Lucille Camarines highlighted the significance of the digital farmers’ program, which equips rice farmers with digital literacy and advanced agricultural technology.
Launched in 2019, the program initially focused on rice farming but has since expanded to include coconut and cacao, each with dedicated funding and specialized training.
Camarines is hopeful that the program will eventually expand to include all agricultural commodities, benefiting a wider range of farmers.
In 2024, DA-ATI-Davao trained 534 farmers under its regular rice program, along with 189 participants from the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (RCEF). These efforts are part of a larger initiative that also includes scholarships, farm business schools, and programs on livestock, mechanization, and agricultural digitalization.
As the region embraces technology and innovation in farming, Camarines added that these programs are crucial in equipping farmers with the tools and knowledge needed to succeed in an evolving agricultural landscape.
With the digital farmers’ program at the forefront, DA-ATI-Davao is driving the development of a smarter, more resilient future for agriculture in Davao. DEF
