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. 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 knowhow 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 KSKSAP is conducted in
partnership with SM Supermalls, TESDA, DA,
DSWD, DOST, DTI, DOT
and partner farm schools.
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