From Soil to Screen – PLDT Group Champions Smart Farming at Grow Asia Innovation Challenge Learning Labs

PLDT and wireless unit Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart) showcased their Digital Farmers Program (DFP) at the recent Grow Asia Innovation Challenge, underscoring the role of digital adoption in transforming Philippine agriculture.

Implemented in partnership with the Department of Agriculture - Agricultural Training Institute (DA-ATI), DFP equips smallholder farmers with tools and training to integrate digital solutions into their farming practices—boosting productivity, improving market access, and promoting sustainable, climate-resilient operations. Amid challenges such as limited connectivity, low digital literacy, and an aging workforce, the program plays a vital role in modernizing farming at the community level.

As a member of the Philippines Partnership for Sustainable Agriculture, PLDT and Smart brought DFP learnings and insights to the recent Learning Labs—a dynamic two-day virtual workshop dedicated to supporting the top finalist of the Grow Asia Innovation Challenge 2025 in the Philippines.

PLDT and Smart shared their implementation approach and key insights in a virtual session titled “Digital Adoption and Literacy in the Digital Farmers Program.” The session brought together stakeholders from the agriculture and technology sectors to discuss inclusive strategies for engaging farmers in the digital economy.

The session included a workshop focused on designing accessible, user-friendly digital tools tailored to the specific needs of farming communities. Participants also explored ways to ensure these solutions achieve meaningful adoption and impact at the grassroots level.

Stephanie V. Orlino, AVP and Head of Stakeholder Management at PLDT and Smart, emphasized the importance of partnerships in scaling impact. “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 Orlino.

Kristine Magadia, Stakeholder Management Lead for Livelihood at PLDT and Smart, also shared insights on how the program has built digital confidence and opened economic opportunities for farmers.

Drawing from firsthand experience, Dr. Merrian Piquero Soliva, Information Officer III and Information Services Chief of DA-ATI Regional Training Center 7, shared key learnings from implementing the program at the grassroots level.

This support is part of the PLDT Group’s broader #FarmSmart program, which leverages technology to strengthen the capacities of Filipino farmers and agripreneurs. Through #FarmSmart, PLDT and Smart help farming communities increase productivity, improve access to markets, and promote tech-driven, inclusive growth. The program also supports national development priorities and aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 1 (No Poverty), SDG 2 (Zero Hunger), SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure), SDG 13 (Climate Action), and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals).