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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