Infrastructure, trust crucial in sustaining digital agriculture across ASEAN

MANILA, Philippines — Technology infrastructure may be foundational to digital agriculture, but access and connectivity are just the beginning. In ASEAN countries, it is critical to meet smallholder farmers halfway and provide them not just internet and devices, but community-wide support that will help them sustain digital farming practices.

In the first episode of Grow Asia’s Digital Learning Series, PLDT and Smart representative Stephanie Orlino, assistant vice president and head of stakeholder engagement, shared insights on how strong digital foundations, reinforced with trust, relevance, and continuity, are keys to moving from access to sustained adoption among farmers.

“Technology is no longer the primary barrier. The challenge now is how to turn access into adoption and sustain it. Farmers adopt digital tools through people they trust, and solutions must be relevant to their everyday realities,” Orlino said.

Stephanie Orlino

Orlino put the spotlight on the Digital Farmers Program, PLDT and Smart’s digital inclusion program in agriculture in partnership with the Department of Agriculture-Agricultural Training Institute, which supports smallholder farmers through digital skills training, access to technology, and partnerships with other government and local organizations. The program’s community-based, farmer-centric approach has ensured that solutions are practical and easy to use.

“We found that when farmers are involved in co-creating solutions, they take ownership. This makes adoption more likely and more sustainable,” Orlino said. “Bringing digital skills closer to farmers, engaging their trusted communities, and designing with them rather than for them makes a meaningful difference.”

The discussion also touched on the role of technology in encouraging youth participation in agriculture.

Orlino noted that digital tools could help reposition farming as a viable and modern livelihood option for the next generation.

“Technology can serve as the bridge between generations. By involving young people as digital partners to farmers, we help strengthen adoption today while building the future of agriculture,” she said.