AsiaDHRRA

08/05/2026

𝐀𝐩𝐫𝐢𝐥 𝟐𝟓, 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔 | 𝐒𝐄𝐄𝐃𝐒 𝐏𝐮𝐛𝐥𝐢𝐜 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐮𝐥𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧

Regional partners, farmer organizations, researchers, and development practitioners gathered for collaborative discussions facilitated by Dr. Rodmyr Datoon to reflect on the learnings and future directions of the SEEDS Project.

One of the key points highlighted during the discussions was the importance of the Digital Agriculture Arrowheads (DAA). A trusted local facilitators who help bridge technology and farming communities through continuous support, guidance, and localized digital learning.

The discussions also explored possible knowledge products, policy recommendations, and future interventions that could strengthen inclusive and sustainable digital agriculture across Southeast Asia.

07/05/2026

𝗡𝗘𝗪𝗦: NAPC, AsiaDHRRA explore collaboration to advance rural dev’t programs

QUEZON CITY – National Anti-Poverty Commission (NAPC) Secretary Lope Santos III met with officials of the Asian Partnership for the Development of Human Resources in Rural Areas (AsiaDHRRA) to discuss potential joint efforts aimed at advancing rural development initiatives and uplifting rural communities in the Philippines, May 5.

AsiaDHRRA Secretary General Marlene Ramirez and Senior Program Manager Cezar Belangel identified possible areas of cooperation, particularly in relation to the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Senior Officials Meeting on Rural Development and Poverty Eradication (SOMRDPE), in line with the Philippines’ chairmanship of ASEAN this year. ASIADHRRA has provided technical assistance to the ASEAN Secretariat and the SOMRDPE in drafting the RDPE Framework Action Plan 2026-2030.

NAPC Officer-in-Charge Deputy Director General Mary Rose Villaflor also participated in the meeting, outlining the Commission’s role in SOMRDPE-related engagements and activities.

Meanwhile, Philippine Partnership for the Development of Human Resources in Rural Areas (PhilDHRRA) National Coordinator Katlea Itong discussed potential thematic areas for collaboration with NAPC in 2026.

Also present at the meeting were Executive Assistants Jiru Rada and Cliford Natividad, and Policy and Planning Service Senior Technical Officer Marvin Merin.

𝗡𝗘𝗪𝗦: NAPC, AsiaDHRRA explore collaboration to advance rural dev’t programs

QUEZON CITY – National Anti-Poverty Commission (NAPC) Secretary Lope Santos III met with officials of the Asian Partnership for the Development of Human Resources in Rural Areas (AsiaDHRRA) to discuss potential joint efforts aimed at advancing rural development initiatives and uplifting rural communities in the Philippines, May 5.

AsiaDHRRA Secretary General Marlene Ramirez and Senior Program Manager Cezar Belangel identified possible areas of cooperation, particularly in relation to the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Senior Officials Meeting on Rural Development and Poverty Eradication (SOMRDPE), in line with the Philippines’ chairmanship of ASEAN this year. ASIADHRRA has provided technical assistance to the ASEAN Secretariat and the SOMRDPE in drafting the RDPE Framework Action Plan 2026-2030.

NAPC Officer-in-Charge Deputy Director General Mary Rose Villaflor also participated in the meeting, outlining the Commission’s role in SOMRDPE-related engagements and activities.

Meanwhile, Philippine Partnership for the Development of Human Resources in Rural Areas (PhilDHRRA) National Coordinator Katlea Itong discussed potential thematic areas for collaboration with NAPC in 2026.

Also present at the meeting were Executive Assistants Jiru Rada and Cliford Natividad, and Policy and Planning Service Senior Technical Officer Marvin Merin.

07/05/2026

𝐀𝐩𝐫𝐢𝐥 𝟐𝟒, 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔

𝐒𝐄𝐄𝐃𝐒 𝐑𝐞𝐠𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐃𝐢𝐠𝐢𝐭𝐚𝐥 𝐒𝐲𝐦𝐩𝐨𝐬𝐢𝐮𝐦 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔 brought participants directly into the field, visiting agricultural learning sites and smart farms in Yeoncheon, Gyeonggi-do Province.

The field visits transformed many of the previous day’s discussions into lived experiences, allowing participants to observe how Korea’s smart farming ecosystem operates in practice and how digital technologies are increasingly integrated into agricultural production systems.

The day began with a visit to the Yeoncheon-gun Agricultural Technology Center, where participants explored Korea’s agricultural technology dissemination systems and smart farming support mechanisms. Discussions focused on technology transfer, agricultural modernization, and how Korea’s smart farming experiences may offer insights for ASEAN countries working toward more resilient and digitally enabled agricultural systems.

The group later visited a family-operated cucumber greenhouse, where participants learned about greenhouse operations, farm management practices, and the realities faced by agricultural producers in maintaining sustainable and efficient production systems.

The learning journey continued with a visit to a smart strawberry healing farm utilizing ICT-based environmental controls, hydroponic systems, and vertical farming technologies. Participants observed how automated systems help monitor and manage temperature, humidity, and growing conditions in real time, demonstrating how technology is reshaping modern agricultural practices.

06/05/2026

𝐖𝐚𝐭𝐜𝐡 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐡𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐥𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐬 from the SEEDS Regional Digital Symposium 2026 held in Seoul, Republic of Korea.

With a theme “Digital Roots: Transforming Smallholder Agriculture Through Innovation,” the symposium brought together governments, farmer organizations, development partners, startups, researchers, and private sector actors from across Asia to discuss the future of inclusive and sustainable digital agriculture for smallholder farmers.

Digital Roots: Transforming Smallholder Agriculture Through Innovation.SEEDS Regional Digital Symposium 2026 officially opened in Seoul, Republic of Korea, b...

06/05/2026

𝗔𝗽𝗿𝗶𝗹 𝟮𝟯, 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲

𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗦𝗘𝗘𝗗𝗦 𝗥𝗲𝗴𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗗𝗶𝗴𝗶𝘁𝗮𝗹 𝗦𝘆𝗺𝗽𝗼𝘀𝗶𝘂𝗺 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲 officially opened in Seoul, Republic of Korea, bringing together farmer organizations, government representatives, development partners, startups, researchers, and private sector actors from across Asia to discuss the future of digital agriculture for smallholder farmers.

Organized through the Smallholders Economic Empowerment through Digital Solutions (SEEDS) Project, the symposium served as a regional platform for dialogue, collaboration, and knowledge exchange on how digital innovation can become more inclusive, accessible, and sustainable for farming communities in Cambodia, Vietnam, and the Philippines.

Implemented by AsiaDHRRA in partnership with IFAD, MAFRA Republic of Korea, and GrowAsia, the event highlighted both the opportunities and realities of scaling digital agriculture across Southeast Asia.

One of the key agenda items was the presentation of achievements from the SEEDS Project, implemented from 2023 to 2026 with the goal of improving the economic rights and livelihoods of smallholder farmers through digital solutions. Across Cambodia, Vietnam, and the Philippines, the project has supported the adoption of digital technologies among approximately 12,000 smallholder farmers while also contributing to regional agricultural innovation through policymaker capacity building, digital directories, and policy recommendation development.

Throughout the day, discussions focused on how agriculture in the region is increasingly being shaped by climate change, market volatility, and rapidly evolving technological environments. While digital tools, mobile technologies, and e-commerce platforms continue to expand, many farming communities still face persistent structural challenges, including limited market access, low bargaining power, infrastructure gaps, and increasing climate risks.

24/04/2026

SEEDS Testimony_Kung Moeun

24/04/2026

SEEDS Testimony_Khim Sokunthea

24/04/2026

SEES documentary Cambodhrra

23/04/2026

Now Happening | SEEDS Digital Agriculture Symposium 2026

Our panel discussions on financing, partnerships, and scaling digital solutions for agriculture in Southeast Asia are underway.

Bringing together experts and leaders to share insights and drive innovation for smallholder farmers.

📍 Seoul, Republic of Korea

10/03/2026

Join us online at the CSO Consultation in conjunction with the 38th FAO Regional Conference for Asia and the Pacific.

Convened by civil society ahead of the APRC, this consultation brings together small-scale food producers and CSO representatives across the Asia-Pacific to assess regional developments in food and agriculture, consolidate policy recommendations, and agree on a Common CSO Statement to bring into the official conference proceedings.

This year's consultation also features a Youth Leaders Dialogue for the first time ensuring younger perspectives are part of the regional conversation.

📅 March 11–12, 2026 | 10:00 AM (GMT+8)
💻 Zoom: https://zoom.us/j/2829154823

08/03/2026

Happy International Women’s Day to the women who keep rural agriculture alive and growing.

Today, we celebrate women farmers whose hands feed families, support communities, and sustain livelihoods. In many rural areas, women are not only helping in the fields. They are planters, harvesters, caregivers, decision-makers, and community builders. Their work is often quiet, but its impact is powerful.

Women in agriculture carry both the burden and the strength of rural life. They nurture the land while also nurturing their families, proving every day that resilience, leadership, and hard work are deeply rooted in them.

On this International Women’s Day, may we continue to recognize, value, and invest in women farmers, because when women in rural agriculture thrive, communities thrive with them.

Happy Women’s Day to all the amazing women farmers and rural women leaders.