SM Foundation, Inc.
(SMFI) has taken another step in its mission to enhance the agriculture and
entrepreneurial skills of farmers. The organization recently launched the
Kabalikat sa Kabuhayan on Sustainable Agriculture Program (KSK-SAP) across
various locations in Calabarzon.
Beginning with its
launch in Padre Garcia, Batangas on April 13, 2023, the program has since been
extended to Silang, Cavite, Batangas City, San Pablo, Laguna, and Calamba City.
SMFI is also set to provide free agri-skills training to local farmers in other
parts of the region to help other beneficiaries uplift their families and
communities.
Empowering local
farmers
The local
farmer-beneficiaries will undergo a two-phased program, spearheaded by its
partner school Moca Family Farm RLearning Center, Inc.
The said program
kicked off with an immersive 14-week training program, designed to equip
participants with essential skills and knowledge in agriculture. The modular
training curriculum covers topics on the latest agri-technology updates,
capacity building, financial literacy, product development, and market
opportunities. Through these comprehensive modules, KSK-SAP aims to empower and
enhance farmers’ agricultural practices and explore avenues for sustainable
growth.
As a highlight of the
program's first phase, KSK-SAP farmers will join the SM Sunday Market, a
collaborative initiative between SM Foundation and SM Supermalls. This platform
offers trainees a valuable opportunity to showcase their agricultural produce
and gain firsthand experience in institutional selling. Through this market
opportunity, participants can not only generate income but also cultivate their
expertise and experience in the sales and marketing aspects of their
agri-businesses.
KSK Trainees at
Tabangao Ambulong, Batangas City, Batangas
To prepare for the
second phase of the program, SMFI will also assist the farmers in formalizing
their respective groups. To boost their earning capactiy and contribution to
economic growth, the foundation will support them in creating a sustainable and
profitable farming community through the assistance of its partner agencies.
KSK-SAP originated
from the vision of SMFI’s founder Henry "Tatang" Sy Sr. to establish
a sustainable initiative that would uplift the farming skills, food security, and
livelihood know-how of low-income Filipino farmers. Over the years, the program
has evolved into a comprehensive training program that generates opportunities
for skills development, employment, and livelihood.
Since its inception
in 2007, KSK-SAP has helped more than 28,000 marginalized farmers from rural
and urban areas across the country, fueling their entrepreneurial and farming
capabilities. As a result, some of the program's graduates have turned into
seasonal suppliers for the SM group and other local markets.
SM Foundation’s
KSK-SAP is conducted in partnership with SM Supermalls, TESDA, DA, DSWD, DOST,
DTI, DOT and partner farm schools.
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