The Jollibee Group Foundation (JGF), the social development arm of Jollibee Group, has successfully conducted the first batch of trainings of the Agri-Tech Facilitator (ATF) Program last October 14 to 16 in Pasig City. This training covered the first of three modules for the program which is a part of JGF’s initiative to hone smallholder farmers into agri-tech facilitators who will identify, test, and promote innovations that will improve productivity, profit, and sustainability of their agro-enterprises.

The ATF Program is part of the continuous capacity-building training provided by JGF to the farmer groups and local implementing partners of its Farmer Entrepreneurship Program (FEP). The first batch of ATF participants were representatives from Ahon sa Hirap, Inc. (ASHI), ASHI Grameen Agricultural Program (AGAP), Ayat ti Pasuquin Farmers and Irrigators Association, Kalasag Multipurpose Cooperative, Lamac Multi-Purpose Cooperative, Lourdes Multi-Purpose Cooperative, Marcos Village Palayan City Farmers Agri-Farm Corporation, Onion and Vegetables Producers Cooperative, Pagbiagan Multipurpose Cooperative, Sacred Heart Savings Cooperative, Tucop Farmers Association, and Ungab Farmers Association.

“The Agri-Tech Facilitator Program enables JGF to further support the growth of our farmers. By fostering collaboration and encouraging openness to innovative changes, we hope our farmers could thrive better as agro-entrepreneurs and continue to achieve sustainability and success in the long-term,” JGF President Gisela Tiongson said.

For Jude Tria, Board of Director of the Lourdes Multi-Purpose Cooperative, one of FEP’s local implementing partners, who is also an ATF Farmer Adviser, the entire module would also be beneficial in building their confidence and establishing their quality as FEP farmers.

“Naniniwala ako na ang programa ng ATF ay magkakaroon ng magandang epekto sa mga magsasaka dahil ang agritech ay hindi lamang pamilyar sa mga magsasaka kundi nakatutok din sa bawat isa sa kanila. Dahil napaka-accessible rin nila, hindi na magdadalawang isip ang mga magsasaka tungkol sa pagkonsulta sa kanila, at sa akin, ito ay magreresulta sa na ang programa ay maging isang milestone, isa pang trademark ng FEP, (I believe that the ATF program would have a good impact on the farmers because the agritech is not only familiar with the farmers but is also focused on each one of them. Since they are also very accessible, the farmers won’t have second thoughts about consulting them, and to me, this would eventually result in the program becoming a milestone, another trademark of FEP)” he said.

JGF, through FEP, provides smallholder farmers with training and resources to help sharpen their leadership and technical skills, enabling them to supply quality vegetables to institutional markets such as Jollibee Group. To date, 19 FEP farmer groups regularly deliver their crops to the Company.

Farming Innovations

Following the completion of the first module, the participants will proceed to the next two modules which will be conducted in 2025. Part of the two other modules is the practicum participation of the attendees.

The next training session will be in January 2025 and will be facilitated by the Xavier University – Ateneo de Cagayan.

For Lamac Multipurpose Cooperative Association Cluster Leader Jefrey Velasquez, the ATF program helps enhance their competency as farmers. As a leader, he also learned how to communicate effectively, which, according to him, is essential in building relationships with his fellow farmers.

“Mahalaga po itong training na ito dahil dito po nagmumula ang mga bagong kaalaman sa teknolohiya, at iba pa pong kasanayan, na siya ko rin pong ituturo sa aking mga kapwa magsasaka.” (This training is important because it gives us new knowledge on technology, as well as other practices, which I will also be able to teach and share with my fellow farmers) he said.

Meanwhile, Larena Nicolas, President of the Marcos Village Palayan City Farmers Agri-Farm Corporation, appreciates how the training encourages leaders like her to help their fellow farmers succeed.

“Kailangan ko pong maituro sa aming members ang kahalagahan ng ganitong trainings upang ma-adopt din po nila ‘yong practices at patuloy na makapag supply sa mga institutional market. Importante po talaga na magpaliwanag sa mga farmer at pakinggan ang needs nila,” (I need to teach our members the importance of such trainings so they can also adopt the practices and be able to continuously supply to institutional markets. It is important that we get to discuss with them and listen to their needs) she added.

JGF is looking forward to seeing how the new Agri-Tech Facilitators will implement these agri-extension approaches and methods in their own farming communities, further uplifting the livelihood of smallholder farmers in the country.