ATI-Caraga pitches Digi Agri Hacki to Surigao del Norte State University

Surigao City — The Department of Agriculture through the Agricultural Training Institute is leveraging the use of Information and Communications Technology (ICT) to further strengthen the country’s agriculture and fisheries sectors by making it more data-driven, efficient, resilient, and sustainable. By integrating digital tools, the department aims to improve productivity, reduce post-harvest losses, and enhance disaster preparedness.

Such ICT-enabled interventions support farmers in the rural areas, strengthen traceability of food products and food safety, expand smallholder access to finance and extension services, and facilitate decision-making at the national and local levels. Together, these efforts contribute to the country’s broader food-security objectives while helping rural communities adapt to climate change and market shifts.

The Agricultural Training Institute (ATI) piloted Digi Agri Hacki in 2025, a pre-acceleration initiative that engaged college students in developing digital solutions for the agriculture and fisheries sector. The pilot ran in four regions in Cagayan Valley, CALABARZON, Western Visayas, and Northern Mindanao by bringing together multidisciplinary teams from agriculture, fisheries, computer science, engineering, and related fields.

Building and banking on that success, ATI plans to scale and institutionalize Digi Agri Hacki as a structured pre-acceleration project that connects youth innovators with farmers, government agencies, and private sector partners to address real world agri-fishery challenges through technology and innovation.

As part of preparations for the project’s 2027 roll-out, the ATI-Caraga convened with officials of Surigao del Norte State University (SNSU) on Thursday, 2 July 2026 to discuss collaboration and partnership. Attending from SNSU were Dr. Virnille C. Francisco, Dean of the College of Computing and Information Sciences, and Engr. Catherine Verallo, Dean of the College of Engineering. Representing ATI-Caraga were Ms. Ressell Angelie S. Fetalsana, Information Officer II, and Mr. Vic Thor A. Palarca, Media Production Specialist II of the Information Services Section (ISS), headed by Info Chief Jason Paul Dads E. Jampac.

The Digi Agri Hacki Project aims to promote digital transformation across agriculture and fisheries, empower youth innovators and nurture future agri‑tech leaders, address practical challenges faced by farmers and fisherfolk, and strengthen collaboration among academe, government, and other industries.

The project will roll out in three phases:

Phase 1: Regional ideation workshops.

Phase 2: Bootcamp and mentoring.

Phase 3: Demo Day and awarding.

The Digi Agri Hacki is expected to generate technology-driven solutions that support sustainable and resilient agri-fisheries in the country and is scheduled to begin in 2027.