{
  "id": 13459565,
  "title": "A farmer’s journey toward digitalization",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/10/a-farmers-journey-toward-digitalization",
  "topic": "business",
  "section": "Business",
  "published": "2026-10-10T16:00:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Philippine Star Business",
    "slug": "philippine-star-business",
    "url": "https://www.philstar.com/business/2026/10/11/2562281/farmers-journey-toward-digitalization"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Edgar Villanueva, a 55-year-old farmer from Kiblawan, Davao del Sur, initially relied on traditional farming methods passed down through generations. However, recognizing the changing landscape of agriculture, he hesitantly embraced digital tools. Villanueva was one of the pioneering farmers to join the Digital Farmers Program (DFP), a collaboration between the Department of Agriculture-Agricultural Training Institute (DA-ATI) and telecommunications giants PLDT and Smart. This program aimed to empower farmers through technology, helping them make informed decisions to improve their farming practices and livelihoods.\n\nUnder the DFP, Villanueva learned to utilize technology to monitor weather conditions, research fertilizers, and gather insights on best practices for various crops. The program transformed his approach to farming, enabling him to reach more potential buyers through online channels. As a result, Villanueva's sales of coconut products nearly doubled, marking a significant shift in his farm's success. Initially skeptical about technology, Villanueva attributed his newfound confidence in digitalization to the guidance and support of the DFP.\n\nRecognizing the impact of the program, PLDT and Smart, in partnership with DA-ATI, have extended the Digital Farmers Program to approximately 14,000 agri-stakeholders since its inception in 2019. Through the PLDT Group's #KonektedforLivelihoods initiative, farmers and micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) have gained access to essential mobile technology and digital tools, fostering growth and prosperity in the agricultural sector.",
  "summary": "Edgar Villanueva, a 55-year-old farmer from Kiblawan, Davao del Sur, strongly believed in traditional farming methods – practices honed through years of working the soil providing food for Filipinos.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}