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.
No comments:
Post a Comment