About 200 Fernandino farmers including the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) beneficiaries from neighboring barangays and municipalities will undergo a Rural Farmers’ Training under the “Kabalikat sa Kabuhayan” program of the SM Foundation Inc. launched on January 24 at the Hansel Farm, Brgy Maimpis.
The SM Foundation Inc. Kabalikat sa Kabuhayan program aims to help the farmers to improve their skills and knowledge on farming and harvesting by giving them a season-long training. This is also in partnership with the Harbest Agribusiness Corporation, Department of Agriculture and Department of Social Welfare and Development.
SM Foundation Inc. AVP for Outreach Programs Cristie Angeles said the participants will undergo on a 12-week training on backyard planting, new techniques in farming methods, harvesting fruits, vegetables and other crops.
“Ito na yung pang 156 batch ng KSK, kung saan sila ay tuturuan sa tamang pagtatanim ng mga iba’t-ibang klase ng gulay na makikita sa isang pinakbet dish. Sa ganitong paraan ay natutulungan natin sila upang tumaas ang kanillang produksyon para guminhawa ang kanilang pamumuhay. Tutulungan din sila ng SM Foundation na i-market ang kanilang mga produkto,” Angeles said.
Meanwhile, City Agriculture and Veterinary Officer Cristina Sangumay expressed her gratitude to the SM Foundation Inc. for conducting this outreach program in the City of San Fernando.
“Dito sa City of San Fernando, sila na yung pangalawang batch natin na maswerteng naging bahagi sa training na ito, kasi napakalaking tulong po nito sa mga Fernandino farmers at 4Ps beneficiaries dahil ito ang kanilang ikinabubuhay. Sa pamamagitan nito ay madadagdagan ang kanilang kaalaman sa pagtatanim na maaari nilang gamitin sa kanilang pagsaka upang mas dumami ang kanilang ani,” Sangumay said.
In an interview, Mayor Edwin “EdSa” Santiago said it is important that farmers should know the good farming practices to achieve a sustainable agriculture. He urged the Fernandinos to engage in farming to ensure the food security in the community.
“Isa sa prayoridad ng Syudad San Fernando ay ang agrikultura, kaya naman nagbibigay tayo ng iba’t-ibang programa para sa ating mga magsasaka upang mas lalo pa nilang pag-igihan ang kanilang pagsasaka dahil ito ang daan upang mas umunlad pa ang agrikultura sa Syudad,” Santiago said.
Also present during the program were City Councilor and Committee on Agriculture Nelson Lingat, Brgy. Captain Romeo Dizon (Maimpis) and Harbest Agribusiness Corporation President Arsenio “Toto” Barcelona.