In an aim to uplift the living standards of small Filipino farmers , SM Foundation, Inc. headed by Cristie Angeles, AVP-Outreach has continuously promoting the Kabalikat sa Kabuhayan Farmers Training Program (KSK-FTP) in various cities in the country. Last March 01 and March 06, batches 199th and 200th were launched in Barangay Tuyo, Balanga, Bataan and Escalona Farm Jolo Tabacuhan, Barangay Sta. Rita Olongapo City respectively in partnership with Harbest AgriBusiness Corp., SM City Olongapo, SM Supermarket, BDO Foundation, LGU of Olongapo- City Agriculture Office and City Social Welfare and Development Office.
“Ang kaalaman na maibibigay ng training na ito ay habambuhay napo sa inyo na pwedeng maipasa sa anak o kapatid. Itong kaalamana na ito ay magiging kayamanan kung pagyayamanin. Sana ay marami din po kayong matulungan sa ibang lugar, mahawa niyo ng kaalaman at kabutihan,” said Mark Herrera, SM City Olongapo Mall Manager.
Kabalikat sa Kabuhayan is a joint project of private and government agencies that assists the participants by providing alternatives to improve day to day income through the production of high-value commercial crops like fruits and vegetables suited for their land. Producing a bio-safe commodities through the use of plastic mulch, organic fertilizers and organic pesticides opens the market for organically produced vegetables and aimed at developing a market match for the vegetable farmers through SM and other supermarket chains.
The 12-week training program consists of lectures and hands-on training using the concept of the farmers field school, which is a group-based learning process that incorporates concepts and methods from agro-ecology, experiential education and community development.
Present during the launch were Olongapo City Agriculturist Victorino Garengo, Jr.,DSWD SLP-Provincial Coordinator Fely Ann Bactad, CSWD Officer III Nova Codoy, City Tourism Officer Fifi Legaspi, City Planning and Development Office Engineer Marivic Nierras, SM City Olongapo Mall Manager Mark Herrera, SM Olongapo Central Mall Manager Ana Lorraine Azucena, SM City Olongapo PR Manager Nette Mortel, SM Supermarket Store Supervisor Sarriel Joy Tang, and the members of the media.
