SM Foundation Inc. (SMFI) helps bring back hope in farming by updating the agricultural knowledge of farmers through the ‘Kabalikat sa Kabuhayan Farmers’ Training Program in partnership with St Isidore “The Farmer” Learning Center Inc. and Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) to give skilled workers the opportunity to improve their skills by going through assessments and certifications.
Recently, 75 farmers finished their TESDA training for Work Scholarship Program and among these are the 14 Kabalikat sa Kabuhayan Farmers’ Training Program alumni from Barangay Eden in Mexico Pampanga. Courses they have developed includesOrganic Agriculture Production NCII (OAP) with trainer Joshdez Anana and Hipolito Naldoza. Also a course on Welding (SMAWNCI) with trainer Alvin Caymo.
The graduates, including the SMFI farmer participants finished their course and are granted a National Certificate by TESDA, who gave assessments and certifies mid-level skilled workers through the Philippine TVET Competency Assessment and Certification System. The qualified farmers were given national certificate of competency which will help land them a higher paying jobs.
The graduation ceremony of the 75 farmers held at St Isidore “The Farmer” Learning Center Inc. in Sta Ana Pampanga is attended by TESDA III Regional Director Dante Navarro, TESDA Provincial Director Jaime Castillo, SM Foundation Outreach Program Assistant Vice President Cristie Angeles, Villar Sipag Foundation Mabel Esguerra and St. Isidore “The Farmer” Learning CenterPresident Romeo Cordova.