In the remote island municipalities like Alabat, Perez, and Quezon in Quezon Province, and Tingloy in Batangas, where internet access is unreliable, the digital divide significantly limits farmers’ access to crucial agricultural information.
Recognizing this challenge, the Department of Agriculture – Special Area for Agricultural Development (DA-SAAD) Program CALABARZON’s Public Relations and Development Communication (PRDC) Unit is implementing an innovative offline information strategy.
Instead of relying solely on online platforms, SAAD CALABARZON is distributing tailor-made Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) booklets to bridge this gap.
From January 22-24, 2025, 639 members of 15 farmers’ associations in AlQueRez Island received these booklets. Distribution to 328 members of 10 farmers’ associations in Tingloy will occur from January 30-31, 2025.
These booklets address eight key topics identified through Participatory Rural Appraisals during the Social Preparation Phase, focusing on local commodities and livelihoods, such as raising pigs; raising goats; raising native chickens; corn farming; squash, eggplant, and string bean production; tissue-cultured lakatan bananas; pest and disease management for squash, eggplant, and string beans; and coconut tree management.
While specialized training was provided earlier, these booklets serve as readily available, easily understood references. Translated into the local language and designed for visual appeal, they ensure accessibility for all farmers.
SAAD Area coordinators and the PRDC team will continue monitoring and providing support to maximize the impact of this initiative. By providing these offline resources, SAAD CALABARZON empowers farmers with the knowledge needed to improve their agricultural practices and demonstrates a commitment to equitable access to information, effectively narrowing the digital divide. ###
