Farmer beneficiaries of the 212th batch of SM Foundation’s Kabalikat sa Kabuhayan (SMFI-KSK)project, gather last October 1, 2019 at Sitio Barusbos Brgy. Balcon Maravilla in Jordan town in Guimaras province.
Representatives from SM City Iloilo headed by Asst. Mall Manager Jasmine Maquiling together with the SM Markets team headed by Ms. Lyn Delicana and HR department headed by Ms. Irene Caumban together with the Department of Social Welfare and Development 6 staff representing Dir. Evelyn Macapobre, proceeded to Guimaras for the sustainability forum for the farmers, as part of their For 12 weekly sessions, wherein KSK scholars are trained on the proper way of planting through lessons in modern farming methods and technologies.
The group, welcomed by Jordan Municipal Agricultural Officer Mildred Gencianeo, also shared the 14 Life Principles of Mr. Henry Sy, Sr. to serve as inspiration to the farmers and guide them in their daily lives.
Sessions also include values formation, capability building and social entrepreneurship. Finally, farmers are provided opportunities to create market linkages through the SM Food Group’s suppliers. The KSK Program is in partnership with Harbest Agribusiness Corporation, the Department of Social Welfare and Development, and the Department of Agriculture.
One of SM Supermarkets’ suppliers, Mr. Ed Jonathan Cañuto of Ephratah Farms also joined the team to impart to the farmers how they can partner with him in bringing their produce to a bigger market like the various branches of SM Markets where he supplies his produce.
A Harvest Festival in Jordan will be held on October 24, 2019 to be followed by the graduation of the farmers in the Northpoint Event Center of SM City Iloilo, the next day.
SM Foundation recognizes livelihood development as a key component in improving lives in communities. Since 2007, SM Foundation’s Farmers’ Training Program (Kabalikat sa Kabuhayan) has been helping marginalized farmers become self-sufficient by equipping them with updated knowledge in doable agricultural technology.
