As technology reaches the countryside, grassroots individuals are finding new ways to adapt and thrive.
Such is the inspiring story of Maureen Ann Blancad, a 36-yea–old farmer from Tuguegarao, who has transformed her life and community through digital innovation. Once a traditional farmer, she turned to vlogging to share her journey and knowledge online, showcasing the resilience and adaptability of women in agriculture.
“I started farming when my husband had an accident and couldn’t work. There was no one else to tend our land, so I took over,” she recalled.
Learning to plow, manage crops, and handle the business side of farming was challenging, but she persevered. With guidance from her husband, Blancad learned the ropes. It was tough, but she needed to stay positive for her family’s sake.
Embracing technology
Her farming knowledge took a significant leap when she joined the Scaling Up Sustainability Project, an initiative by the Philippines Partnership for Sustainable Agriculture (PPSA) in collaboration with PLDT Inc. (PLDT) and Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart).
Funded through a GlobalGiving grant in partnership with Corteva, the project aims to train 100 Filipino farmers in climate-smart agricultural practices and entrepreneurship to enhance productivity and resilience.
The project unfolds in two phases. Phase 1 focuses on mentorship, where women farmer champions receive guidance from PPSA’s network of experts to build their expertise and develop educational materials for training others. Phase 2 consists of cascading activities, where trained farmers conduct organized training sessions, serving as resource persons for their communities.Through this initiative, Blancad was introduced to digital tools that transformed her farming methods.
“Technology has made a big difference. From online marketing to modern farming techniques, I’ve learned so much. Thanks to social media, we sell our products faster and reach more customers. Sometimes, our harvests are sold out before we even bring them to market,” Blancad said.
Empowering communities
Blancad’s success has made her a role model in her community. She is currently undergoing a three-month mentorship program on digital entrepreneurship, facilitated by PLDT and Smart, along with specialized training in water management and drip irrigation for corn and vegetables, provided by Harbest Agribusiness Corporation.
Her goal is to equip other farmers with knowledge of modern farming and the power of digital tools through her vlogs. Her vlogs, which showcase farming activities and techniques, have become a valuable resource.
“It’s a big responsibility, but I want to help other farmers embrace modern farming and utilize social media for marketing,” she explained.
Balancing her responsibilities as a farmer, vlogger, and mother of three, Blancad highlights the importance of time management.
“It’s all about balance. My children help on the farm when they’re not in school, mostly during the summer. It’s a family effort,” she said with a smile.
Smart farming
The Scaling Up Sustainability Project has been instrumental in Blancad’s growth. PLDT and Smart’s support for this program strengthens their commitment to digital inclusion through the Digital Farmers Program, implemented with the Department of Agriculture’s (DA) Agricultural Training Institute (ATII).
By incorporating digital entrepreneurship training, they equip farmers with the tools and knowledge to maximize technology for increased productivity and resilience.
Looking ahead, Blancad dreams of transforming her farm into a farm school to share her knowledge on a larger scale.
“I hope to get approval for our farm school. It’s my way of giving back to the community,” she said as she encouraged fellow farmers to embrace new technologies.
