On farmers and technology

Just recently the Department of Agriculture launched a digital platform intended to connect farmers to consumers directly without having to go through the “layers” in trade. The Deliver-E which was introduced last Dec. 14, 2020, is a modern marketing process developed together with the Department of Trade and Industry, the private sector, farm cooperatives and the US Agency for International Development.

For many many years, farmers have been left to deal with middle men at their expense and, at the same time, this greatly contributes to the high cost of market goods. It must be understood at this point that food security is a valuable component of national security. As Secretary William Dar explains, this digital platform will put a premium on the value of our agriculture while we adjust to the new normal.

On the other hand, DTI Secretary Mon Lopez has always reiterated the significance of online platforms, especially for small and medium enterprises.

It is good therefore to note that the Deliver-E has helped about 600 farmers in Luzon and the southern Philippines by doubling their income and reducing waste. Deliver-E is a real game changer as Secretary Mon says and the hope is to further encourage Filipinos to buy local. Traditional selling for farmers has brought about so much inefficiency and connecting farmers directly to buyers evens out the playing field for a sector that has been suffering long enough.

Agriculturally, the Philippines is so wealthy and together with our government’s efforts, we are engaging even the youth who are extremely savvy in technology and are able to make the connection by participating in elevating our country’s natural resources.

In the army we always say that no one should ever get left behind and this mantra reflects even in the way we sustain our communities. Food security must be inclusive and leveling the playing field through modernization indeed prepares us for what many of us are calling the fourth industrial revolution.