Hi Susan, thanks for your further support.  Actually I was hesitant to apply the term "migration" in connection with our discussion, since I was thinking that we might go and move beyond the boundary and periphery of the topic of our discussion, but it is true, we cannot avoid talking of migration even we are discussing ICT and agriculture, as what Fr. Gigi said that we are now in the age of "e-migrants and even e-refugees", and so interacting with these vital discussions, we cannot evade thinking of the "cause and effect" of the reality in which human migration is involved on it as far as ICT's migration is concern.

I agree with you Susan with your further exploration and contributing ideas, yes probably on that time it was not the motivation of our beloved citizens to move because of technology per se, maybe during that time radio is enough to acquire information and even this time, probably it is secondary to get hold of modern technologies, one of the main causes basically is actually to uplift economic condition in general, so that is why most of us Filipinos really aspire to finish our education and studies in order to make our lives better and to contribute to the building and betterment of our society (country or region) or to our own native place.

You are right what happened to the majority did not come back to develop their native place, because they found the "greener pasture" in the rural and rich places better than the prosperous natural resources hidden and untold or could be abandoned because still lack of capital, or impossibility to develop the farm, or because no ICT's means that could sustain in a better income opportunity and other many reasons.  

In this case, I can only understand the right and desire of our people to move.  The problem is what happen to the abandoned and underdeveloped lands and lots?  This could be other areas of reflection but #3 question is giving us already a lot of existing possibilities.

One thing that I am thinking now, and this would partly lead to react and engage in  the  #3 question, if we are talking in the level of education, agriculture and ICT, I think we need to consider how to enculturate and educate in the mentality of our "young generations", who could be the potential producers, entrepreneurs, and consumers someday to really value the course of study that could benefit in terms of agricultural development particularly those who are lands holders.  This might also be  in relation to what the other associates here in this forum have already reflected.  Here not to judge the choice of all our beloved Filipinos but to propose that there are other options for advancement.

Going back to those graduates who returned to their native lands, in the (Philippines  context) after acquiring academic and material resources, we can see the positive effect, some of them became the assets of the economy, contributors to the socio-economic advancement in our country, for they are now the producers, capitalists, and famous product consumers.  Sometimes we can reflect the reality in the provinces and some regions and barangays of our country, who among those has the capacity to purchase and introduce television after radio, or cellular phone and i-pad and other modern technologies equipment and devices, and eventually became ICT's advocators and promoters?  Definitely those who can afford, in this case, we can think that somehow there is positive result out of the labors and sacrifices our fellows from other rich and progressive places. 

The roles of the ICT towards producer organizations can be categorized as mediators and bearers of good news and upright human values.  I think the contents of the message of information would rely on the continuing promotion of constructive and useful knowledge, awareness and education in general that focus on the concern of aiming for the benefits of all both the capitalists, owners of the lands, farmers, and laborers.  "Accountability and transparency" can be seen as important parts of the interest.  While concentrating on the target and goal of attaining and gaining profits, it is necessary to consider the human assests; the laborers, workers, farmers, and contributors or whoever parts of such constructing and developing agricultural profit or non-profit stocks, projects or establishments.  This job of channeling truthful information and learning in a holistic approach to cater to the needs of the receivers in the agricultural aspects, I believe, is not that easy as what the others have already mentioned that indeed there are already existing socio-political and economic systems and policies which are needed to be respected.  Again geographical location is another challenge, in terms of accessibility of digital connection and linkages in some regions and places of the country.  Therefore, these factors also call for awareness.  

Education in this matter, specifically in the information dissemination and upholding awareness of knowledge, is not simply based on feeding the targets and beneficiaries on the use of modern technologies or upgrading them for the new agricultural procedures and systems for wide-ranging information but to impart to them the learning and values on how to appreciate and treasure the lands and seas; the ecological gift of nature, the environmental endowment wherein it is in these very significant sources which our daily bread; provisions, fuels, and sustenance in life are dependent on them.  Thus, transmitting to open what is essential and needed message (information) applicable and suited to the needs of the producer organizations, ICT meets its goal and functions effectively and productively.

Content and context in relation to the roles and functions of ICT are truly significant.  They are inseparable and connected to the whole picture of the reality.  While ICT is the tools, means, transmitters, and distributors of information, it is essential to keep in mind the contents of information which are being routed to receivers.  Again, I think it is the responsibility, accountability of the involved groups to ensure critically the right use of ICT.  Whether producer organizations utilize ICT as a means, still it is their duty to use these tools accordingly.  It is not only to consider the how to use but also the message, the content is absolutely needed to be crucially deemed as they are part of the concept, belong therefore to the entire story.  So ICT even it is merely an instrument of probably simple communication or complex ones, still users are primarily the reliable ones for the purpose and result of transmitting information.  To what purpose and kind of goals does ICT is trying to achieve.

I think it is also important to note that contents of information may vary to various contexts.  It depends on the demands and the applicable needs on those contexts.  That is why I can see that reviewing our posts and sharing, we have all different stories to tell, multi socio-economic and cultural praxes in terms of dealing agricultural realities in relation to ICT.  It cannot be declined the uniqueness of each country and place with regards to responding to the needs, and the manner of employing ICT is regulating on the mandates.

Hi Susan & Maila,

The problem of infrastructure and means of transportation in many cases of the rural areas in the Philippines are also other hindrances of implementing ICT to the fullest in the country.  It cannot be denied that there are those unfortunate Filipinos who are not benefiting the projects of the government in terms of developing infrastructures and means of transportation and communication while obviously the government has programs, and definitely there are fortunate places who are lucky enough to access modern technologies, enjoying the projects of the government, and eventually there is an ease of transporting products for trade and marketing to the cities.  While there are places which are struggling because of the problems of infrastructure and difficulty in the means of transportation which could be one of the problems of fully practicing and realizing ICT in the remote areas in which producer organizations are affected.  

One example which I recently encountered was when I went to one of the provinces of Mindanao, but Mindanao is known as one of the biggest sources of agricultural productions in the country.  Although I did not intend to observe the agricultural situation, but one thing that touched me most is the means of transportation from the city to various barangays in that region at least two barangays I heard from the local people, besides of underdeveloped infrastructure, the public transportation which can accommodate twenty (20) persons, the so-called "jeepney" only serves once a day.  Once you missed the trip your plan of activities will be delayed and you have to wait for another day or else you have to ride in a so-called "habal-habal", it is a motorcycle that is creatively modified by adding wings and propels so that it can accommodate four (4) persons in every ride.  But riding on that transportation does not guarantee security and satefy.  It is an interesting situation in connection with agriculture in the country.  Farmers may have ICT information but in this case providing other necessities in farming it is truly a sacrifice and vice versa, transfering the products to the market as mentioned earlier, it takes interval once such products are not delivered and transported on time.  Therefore, all aspects require attention and consideration when we talk with the function of ICT to the producer organizations or even to the farmers themselves.

Hi, Yitzhak613 and Mjborres22, 

It is nice to hear from your idea about revisiting BS Agricultural Curriculum in relation to ICT; your relfections bring an inspiration to reflect on the possibility of considering ICT in the study of agricultural course.  I can also see the necessity and usefulness of it, at least the basic and the fundamental knowledge.  It could be of great help to the agricultural students someday once they land, employ, and practice their degree of profession.  I agree on that opinion and hopefully this shall be materialized.

Sometimes there is a tendency nowadays to disregard the functions of radio in the social media practice, because it seems that it is becoming obsolete in the urban sites due to the effect of more attractive and fascinating results of modern devices such as computers, televisions, and e-digital information systems.  However, reading some posts, it gives an impression that radio has still played indispensable role in bringing information especially to those distant and remote areas which other modern technologies can hardly be accessed and operated.  So we cannot disregard the use of it, depending indeed on the contextual reality.

I can recall my short radio program for the Filipino migrants abroad and it is also catering Filipinoseafarers' listeners on board, those who are being reached out with the short wave of Radio Veritas Asia (RVA).  Truly, there is an option in employing ICT in order to connect with the target beneficies of the program.

Koy it is true, I agree with your brief reflection that during the earliest time, agricultural systems were completely different than this present era.  It is obviously due to the advent of new ideas, knowledge, information, techniques, and above all because of the rapid result of modern technology.  It is no doubt that agriculture is creating and producing economic development in each country.  However, I do not have concrete evidence and data of study of what is the effect of economic growth caused by agriculture during the 70's, 80's and 90's comparing it to this current year.  Probably this would be a motivating fact for some scholars to find out its relation to ICT research work.

In addition, I also go along with your observation that many of our fellow citizens nowadays prefer to stay in the urban places and developed areas rather than to remain and cultivate their own land to a productive source of economy.  That is why it becomes a common mentality of our beloved country men and women to move from one place to another, from rural to urban sites, and from one region to the city.  Cite for example the thousands of human mobility of the so-called internal migrants from various provinces who migrated to the crowded places of Metro Manila.  It is because many chose to dwell in the progressive place wherein the economic systems and standard ways of living are far different compared to the less fortunate areas.  Progressive regions and cities, naturally can aid these people to economically productive in a quick glance rather than remaining in the farm where they have to wait for months and years to obtain the yearning for economic development and sucess.

Hi Kelly, like you from the perspective of user (consumer), engaging in this forum is not only an interesting task but it is indeed worthwhile.  In my reflection, it is a sort of reminding us to go back to our root, to value our ecological sphere, the mother earth that is given to us to cultivate and to harvest for our own life sustenance.  Personally, this forum captures the inspiration to reflect the abundance of grains we take every single day through the greatest efforts and hard labors of our beloved farm's producers, who most of the time, offered their heavy sweats and sacrifices in order to produce food supplies for many.  While I appreciate this forum, I also think that the agricultural sector in our country (Philippines) must be enhanced with their needs to progress for they deserve to learn with the use of advanced technology not simply to remain recipients of information but also they can be developed and become potential sources of information, knowledge and learning too, once they progressively acquired the expertise and familiarity.  Again, in the reality, this reflection could be a process, but there is nothing impossible when all sectors, both the governments and non-governments are in solidarity and in communion with one common concern.

Hi, Gasper and all!

I thought my opinion would not find relevant means to connect, I was wondering if I went beyond the bordiers of our #2 discussions.  It is true Gasper, if I put this way my own limited reflection as when we look on the priority areas that producer organizations should invest with regards to ICT in the Philippines, in addition to my previous post, yes the Philippines is truly an agricultural country and every Filipino is proud of it.  In this context, there is no doubt that agricultural and ICT can go far beyond success once there is sufficient funding, equipped knowledge in general or in specific technigues on management.  However, considering the situation of agriculture in the country in this age, where there are those locations and regions that infrastructures, roads and means of transportation are still on the way to development, if I put myselft in the position of the producer organizations in the private or business sector, I might be thinking hundredfold reflections before making and prioritizing decision.  Yes Gasper, meaning a depth feasibility of study must be done regarding the external environment that might certainly affect the investment.  Certainly, the capacity of my internal resources both human and materials towards the needs and demands has to be put into consideration.  So why not prioritizing an investment on planning and assessment on the particular location (pilot area) and considering the situation of the area is greatly important, as some of us already mentioned, such as mapping, observation and review, emersion and identification of the identifiable kinds of ICT applicable to be invested in that area in order to address the demands and needs.  

Granting I have the fund and knowledge, I will not lose my effort, time, and investment for nothing.  Part of the plan maybe the timeframe, kind of project, and for whom and what would be the aim which I am trying to attain, it depends on the goals and objectives, for instance is this for gaining profit or for community service?  If I will be the investor, in the case for ICT, belong to private or business; government or owners of the land, or even funding agencies, I will  invest my resources that will end progress in return.  That is why, in the initial part, which some of us already stated, such study of the location could be the priority and considering the possible resources.  

I think this is necessary.  So, it depends on the area, location is indeed imperative when we think of investing ICT in the agricultural condition of the Philippines.  Some of us are correct in our reflection that investing ICT vary on the context.  If we are trying to invest ICT on the frontiers and develop agricultural zone, connection, electricity and accessibility are available then we can answer the question that pertains to the investment of equipment and specific technical knowledge on it.  On the other hand, if we reflect on the underdeveloped condition of agricultural reality of the country, which is still on the way, we can only adapt to the capacity of people and place.  Yes, Sir Sandy is correct, capacity building, then adjusting to the situation for the meantime.  What would be other solutions?  Yes, it is really to augment funds and resources for the initial and sustainability.  This would entail  global and communinal supports and collaborations surely, but another question is how long would it be in our case to be dependent in terms of sourcing funds particularly in the case of the socio-economic underpriviledge? Yes, #3 question is now opening our dynamic and brilliant minds to find more answers.  

Thus, to be realistic in the investment whether it is in the ICT or not, and let us put it in the ICT's perspective in relation to agriculture, planning and decision making are imperative.  It calls for re-integration process.  Thank you.

Hello Bry, Peter, Fr. Narcisso, Koy, Kelly, and Dolores,

Reading your posts, these signify that ICT needs other fields of expertise.  Although we are talking here of agriculture, producer organizations in relation to ICT, and what would be the priority to invest in ICT by the producers organizations, I am thinking about that the  producer organizations not only need of ICT to meet the goal of tasks, but also requiring multi areas and degrees of professions.  The same as ICT cannot functions completely without  other interrelated knowledge of diverse professions, such as managers, agriculturists, weather viewers and forecasters, finance, accounting, and marketing even sociogists, researchers, and moralists.  I think it is in these several interconnected disciplines that ICT can be able to fully function professionaly and successfully.  So you are right in your critical opinion that education is needed, whether is formal or non-formal education.  Building human capitals academically, morally, and religiously there is no doubt that goals of agricultural development in line with ICT can easily be achieved either owned by government projects or private sectors.  Hence ICT in this perspective is merely one effective component in building the agricultural world, but is now becoming a great device to speed up the works and tasks of agriculture.  As we cannot undervalue the importance of education, we cannot also do but value the fast movement of ICT's development in today's modern age.  What I am trying to stress here is that ICT cannot stand alone; it is interconnected to other concentrations of studies.  Thus, what would be the priority I should say financial is the primary imporant, followed of course by the study of the location (simple research) in order to identify the demands and needs of the target beneficiaries and to be able to design a kind of project of investment that addresses the needs, definitely intellectual resources and technical manpowers are also needed within both internal and extenal environments, plus above all the on-going social and community development, because the success of such investment rely also on the response, cooperation, and support of the target beneficiaries.