A group of farmers in Brgy. Dulao, Bago City are going high-tech, now accessing up-to-date farming information from multi-media sources, including the Internet.

The cyber community of Lopue's Farmers and Laborers Association, a first in Western Visayas, is one of the projects of the Open Academy for Philippine Agriculture, popularly known as the Pinoy Farmers' Internet, under the Philippine Rice Research Institute.

Roger Barroga, project manager of OPAPA, said LOFALAS received two sets of computer with accessories and compact discs containing the Knowledge Bank and the Rice Production Guide after 19 of their members and their children attended a two-day Basic Information and Communications Technology Training.

The oldest participant is Amelita Arimas, 60, who said she enjoyed the training despite suffering from already stiff fingers and poor eyesight.

Provincial Agriculturist Igmedio Tabianan said that by giving farmers access to the multi-media technologies, they can strengthen their position, not only as farmers but also as researchers. "With ICT, we can fast-track development, not only in Bago but also in other cities and municipalities in the future. We don't only cater to food security but also to the development of the human potential," he said.

Ed Libetario, officer-in-charge of PhilRice-Negros, said that if farming life with ICT becomes successful in Brgy. Dulao,

then it must be a precursor to a better future.

Dulao was chosen as the pilot site for a cyber community in Bago City, dubbed the rice bowl of Negros Occidental, because of the strong partnership between its farmers, PhilRice, the Office of the Provincial Agriculturist, Bago City Government, Alter Trade Foundation, and the National Irrigation Administration. LOFALAS chairman Sergio Quivis said the project will greatly benefit not only the farmers of Brgy. Dulao, but also those from the neighboring barangays of Abuanan, Atipuluan and Tabunan.*NLG

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