Imagine touring a farm from the comfort of your home. That's precisely what Dr. Rolando “Olan” Maningas, head of the Agricultural Training Institute (ATI) Calabarzon Center, showcased in his “Steering Digital Transformation Through AGRi 360” presentation. We virtually visited Ed Ballesteros Cleofe’s Luntiang Republika farm and the Carolina Bamboo Garden in Antipolo, captivating everyone’s interest. Excitement grew when Dr. Olan announced the ambitious goal: to feature all 2,008 registered partner farms nationwide (47 extension service providers and 1961 learning sites) on this interactive platform, attracting visitors and inspiring fellow farmers.

Dr. Olan’s presentation was a highlight of the three-day Agri Asenso 2025 forum, held June 25-27 at Ayala Circuit Mall. The forum envisioned blending tradition with technology to advance Philippine agriculture, serving as a hub for learning, reconnecting with model farmers like Edel Ramos of Uma Verde Farms and Fern Viola of Myriad Farms, and discovering new avenues for agricultural growth.

The event brought together key Department of Agriculture (DA) and ATI officials, including ATI National Director Remelyn Recoter, ATI Section Chief Romermart Aubigne Penamora, Lian Janelle Valencia, Dr. Olan, Sole Leal, and DA Undersecretary Roger Navarro. Lively sessions, complete with quizzes and prizes, were ably hosted by John Auman and Alliah Ditcheand. Mall-goers and attendees also enjoyed a "tiangge" offering fresh produce, plants, food products, and traditional ethnic clothing at reasonable prices.

Engineer AB P. David, Director of Sagip Saka, introduced the Sagip Saka Act, designed to empower farmers and fisherfolk by enhancing market access. Ms. Cristine Baldelomar, Market Specialist of FFEDIS, elaborated on the Farmers and Fisherfolk Enterprise Development Information System (FFEDIS) and its benefits for farm businesses.

Joemarie Florece, President of Ecolistic Agriculture Training Center, shared “Top 555 Secrets Behind the Numbers,” featuring the success story of Jeanette Baylon of Nett’s Agri Farm in Bicol. By consolidating resources and production, similar to a cooperative model, Jeanette achieved consistent volume and secured premium pricing. While some Luzon farmers struggled to sell Ube at ₱20 per kilo, Jeanette commanded over ₱100 per kilo. Her secret? Being an early mover, she set her own price. Is this sustainable? Market dynamics depend on supply and demand, but early movers undeniably gain an advantage.

Dr. Mechelle Palma discussed the importance of Nutrition-Sensitive Agriculture, warning that lifestyle diseases like hypertension, diabetes, liver problems, and cancer are increasingly affecting the young due to diets heavy on fast food and processed meals. Her advice: Intentionally incorporate fresh fruits and vegetables into daily meals. This reminded me of Dr. Jaime Galvez Tan’s famous “KKMSS” or Filipino Ensalada—a simple, health-boosting salad from Kamote, Kangkong, Malunggay, Sili, and Saluyot leaves with vinegar and muscovado sugar/honey dressing. However, knowing the source of our produce is crucial. A friend who adopted an “Alleluia Diet” (mainly vegetables) sadly passed away from stomach cancer within three years, possibly from consuming chemically treated vegetables from unreliable sources or improper washing. Growing your own or sourcing from trusted farmers remains paramount. Incidentally, ATI-Flor’s Garden will co-sponsor a three-day workshop on Natural Farming and Jadam low-cost technology (for natural fertilizers) with Vanilla culture late this July. Priority is given to ATI Partners and Vanilla Industry Development Association (VIDA) members. Please call Fely at 09195567121 for details.

Joanna Lao, Program Manager of Jollibee Foundation, discussed the Inclusive Agri Value Chain and encouraged forming farm clusters to strengthen market access. Tulay sa Pagunlad Inc. (TSPI), a microfinance NGO, has a successful tie-up with Jollibee Foundation, providing financing to farmer cooperative members who, in turn, sell their produce to Jollibee. Interested cooperatives in Luzon can contact TSPI's Alice Cordero at 0917-5362196 for financing possibilities.

Finally, Seliada Asilio, Stakeholder Engagement Specialist for the Digital Farmers Program, shared valuable insights on leveraging AI for agricultural marketing and ensuring internet safety for farmers venturing into the digital space.

Led by ATI’s Romermart Penamora, the ATI partners collectively committed to reaching more farmers and communities to strengthen agricultural development and food security nationwide. Agri Asenso is a step towards sustainable, inclusive, and resilient farming for the Philippines. More power to DA-ATI—and to all Filipino farmers rising with Agri Asenso!

Happy birthday to my dear apo Natalia Flor Valderrama, celebrating her 15th birthday today.