Around 200 farmers from rural areas in Jordan, Guimaras has benefitted from SM Foundation Inc. (SMFI) Farmers Training Program.
SM Foundation launched its 212th batch of Kabalikat sa Kabuhayan (KSK) Farmers Training Program last July 24, 2019 in the Municipality of Jordan in Guimaras.
Punong Barangay Edgar Ecullada of Balcon Maravilla welcomed farmers in his village and neighboring barangays in the launching, graced by officials of the different partner agencies such as the Department of Social and Welfare Development Region 6 (DSWD 6) headed by Director Evelyn Macapobre, SM City Iloilo represented by Asst. Mall Manager Jasmine Lynn Maquiling, and Public Relations Manager Troy Camarista.
Jordan Municipal Agricultural Officer Mildred Gencianeo and Johndel Diorda of Harbest Agribusiness was also present during the event. SMFI was represented by team lead Kathleen Agbanawag.
SM Foundation’s Farmers’ Training Program or KSK aims to upgrade the agricultural knowledge of small-scale farmers in order to produce quality, safe, high-value, and high-yielding fruits and vegetables while teaching them to become self-sufficient.
For 12 weekly sessions, KSK scholars are trained on the proper way of planting through lessons in modern farming methods and technologies. 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.
The project was made possible through the efforts of Mayor Ruben Corpuz, who specifically requested SMFI through SM Foundation Asst. Vice President Cristie Angeles, to extend assistance to the farmers of his municipality.
After the training, farmers will reap the fruits of their labor through the Harvest Festival on October 2019. The next day, they will graduate in a ceremony to be held at SM City Iloilo. They will also get a chance to tour SM Supermarket and explore bigger opportunities as they will also be made to mingle with SM suppliers who are potential buyers of their harvest.
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.
