A harvest festival in Sitio Barusbos in Balcon Maravila, Guimaras showcased the local produce of farmers who are some of the beneficiaries of SM Foundation Inc.'s Kabalikat sa Kabuhayan (SMFI-KSK)project.
The foundation recognizes livelihood development as a key component in improving lives in communities.
Since 2007, SM Foundation's Farmers' Training Program (Kabalikat sa Kabuhayan) has been helping marginalized farmers become self-sufficient by equipping them with updated knowledge in doable agricultural technology.
And after 12 weekly sessions wherein SMFI-KSK scholars were trained on the proper way of planting through lessons in modern farming methods and technologies, these farmer-scholars graduated in a ceremony held at SM City Iloilo lat Oct. 25, 2019 making them the 211th batch of graduates in the said farmers training program.
The KSK Program is in partnership with Harbest Agribusiness Corporation, the Department of Social Welfare and Development, and the Department of Agriculture.
Sessions for the training program included values formation, capability building and social entrepreneurship. These farmers are provided opportunities to create market linkages through the SM Markets suppliers.
A sustainability forum is held to make sure that the project will continue after their training. Part of the program was also the crafting of a sustainability plan so there will be specific actions that will be done in coordination with the Local government unit of Jordan and the project partners.
Gracing the program were SM Foundation Asst. Vice President Cristie Angeles, Jordan, Guimaras Mayor Ruben Corpuz, Ms. Norma Ruth Raymundo of DSWD central office and SM City Iloilo Asst. Mall Manger Jasmine Maquiling.