A total of 113 farmers from the town of Nampicuan and Quezon in Nueva Ecija graduated SM Foundation Inc. Kabalikat Sa Kabuhayan on Sustainable Agriculture Program (KSK-SAP) on October 11, 2024, at SM City Cabanatuan.
During the 14-week course, the farmers learned effective planting techniques for fruits and vegetables. This improved their harvests and provided organic food for their families. SMFI also helped farmers form associations and connected them with government organizations, local markets, and SM suppliers for a more stable income.
SMFI joined with SM Supermalls, SM Markets, Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), Department of Agriculture (DA), Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), St. Isidore The Farmer Learning Center Inc. (SITFLCI), Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), Department of Trade in Industry (DTI) and leaders from the Local Government of Nampicuan and Quezon.
Marilou Pascual, 46 years old, a mother of three, a tricycle driver, and a former bet solicitor is one of the graduates who said that during the training period from August to September, they were able to sell harvested organic vegetables amounting to 16,660 that inspire her to plant and sell more.
“I would like to take care of this opportunity given to us by SM Foundation and live with Tatang Henry Sy Sr. life principles. After this graduation, I will plant more crops with my co-graduates to continuously produce more and earn more in the coming days, months, and years,” Pascual said.
The KSK-SAP is part of the SM Foundation Inc. which has been serving different communities since 1983, focusing on social inclusion by nurturing and caring for those in need. The foundation serves as the core belief of SM Group of Companies’ corporate social responsibility, established by Henry Sy Sr. and Felicidad T. Sy, while anchoring on the principle “People Helping People”.