SM Foundation recently celebrated a significant milestone with the graduation of farmer beneficiaries from its Kabalikat sa Kabuhayan on Sustainable Agriculture Program (KSK-SAP). This 14-week intensive training program is designed to empower local farmers by equipping them with modern, sustainable agricultural practices.
The KSK-SAP training culminated in a heartfelt graduation ceremony held at SM City Iloilo on October 29, 2024. The event featured participants from various municipalities, including San Miguel, Cabatuan, and Leon in Iloilo Province, as well as Brgy. Buntatala in Iloilo City and Nueva Valencia in Guimaras Province.
This program’s expansion underscores SM’s commitment to enhancing community welfare and improving livelihoods through agriculture, in partnership with key stakeholders.
In collaboration with the Iloilo City Government, SM Prime Holdings, Inc. is embarking on a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) initiative aimed at revitalizing the two largest markets in the area—the Iloilo Central Market and the Iloilo Terminal Market. This project is expected to provide local farmers with enhanced opportunities and benefits.
Throughout the 14-week program, participants engaged in hands-on training covering crop cultivation, management, and innovative farming techniques aimed at increasing productivity and sustainability. The program received valuable support from various partners, including the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), the National Irrigation Administration (NIA), and the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE). CRISEL Integrated Farm served as the farm school and training provider for the initiative.
In addition to agricultural training, KSK-SAP offered lectures on life principles inspired by Henry Sy Sr., along with financial literacy, business acumen, and livelihood development. These resources aim to transform participants into not only skilled cultivators but also self-sustaining agripreneurs, ultimately contributing to local food security and uplifting their communities.
