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The Development Academy of the Philippines (DAP), through its Productivity and Development Center, in partnership with the Asian Productivity Organization (APO), ran the first face-to-face “Training Course on Smart Transformation for Agribusinesses” in the country for some 22 participants composed of government officials, policymakers, farming executives, senior academicians, and consultants, on May 8-12, 2023 at the Richmonde Hotel in Ortigas Center, Pasig City, Metro Manila.

The delegates came from APO member economies including Bangladesh, Cambodia, Fiji, India, Pakistan, the Philippines, the Republic of China (Taiwan), the Republic of Korea, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Turkey, and Vietnam, showcasing a diverse and international group with a shared interest in advancing smart agricultural practices.

The training course highlighted the benefits of infusing smart technologies such as the use of Internet of Things (IoT) technology and communications technology in agribusinesses. In particular, it showcased the application of digital technologies and innovations to enhance efficiency of food processing and sustained quality across the supply chains; minimize food wastage by guaranteeing quality maintenance and optimal production quantities through the use of data analytics; and, reduce production costs by substituting manual labor, preventing excessive production, and promoting greater efficiency through the IoT technology leading to a competitive edge for agribusinesses.

PARTICIPANTS, COURSE SECRETARIAT, AND MX3 REPRESENTATIVES POSE FOR A GROUP PHOTO AT THE DYNAMIC MEDICAL INTERNATIONAL (DMI) MEDICAL SUPPLY CO., INC. OFFICE IN PASIG CITY

The course also served as a venue among private and public sector leaders to discuss the challenges agricultural entrepreneurs face in the adoption of smart agribusiness as well as to explore the concepts, principles, and benefits of smart agricultural transformation.

MR. DOK LUON, A DELEGATE FROM CAMBODIA, INSPECTS THE QUALITY BELL PEPPERS FROM THE NETHERLANDS THAT IS BEING  PRODUCED BY THE TURBULENT GREENHOUSE DEMO FARM IN TAGAYTAY CITY.

Resource experts included Dr. Rodney Wee, chief executive officer, Asia Cold Chain Centre (Singapore), Dr. Werrachet Jittanit, associate professor, Faculty of Agro-Industry at the Kasetsart University (Thailand), and Dr. Janette Toral, director, i-Metrics Asia-Pacific Corporation (Philippines). Study visits were also conducted to further provide the participants with valuable insights on transforming their agricultural enterprises into smart agribusiness. They visited educational sites at the DMI Medical Supply Company, Inc. in Pasig City, the maker of the MX3 products, and Turbulent Greenhouse Farm in Tagaytay City. 

The DAP and APO aim to further pursue crafting innovative approaches across all sectors of the economy and strengthen infrastructure needed for productivity improvement.      

For more information, visit www.dap.edu.ph, or email pdc.pdro@dap.edu.ph.