SM Foundation launch Kabalikat sa Kabuhayan (KSK) Program for Santa Barbara, Pavia farmers in Iloilo
SM Foundation officially launched the 156, 157 and 158 batch of Kabalikat sa Kabuhayan (KSK) on Sustainable Agriculture Program at the Centre for Agriskills and Livelihoods Inc at Sta. Barbara, Iloilo last June 14, 2023.
This Corporate Social Responsibility Project of SM Foundation Inc. is in partnership with SM Supermalls, SM Markets, Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), Department of Agriculture (DA), Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), Department of Tourism (DOT), Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), Department of Science and Technology (DOST), and local government units.
SM’s Kabalikat Sa Kabuhayan (KSK) aims to bring modern and sustainable farming skills in both rural and urban communities to help farmers have food on their table and have potential economic opportunities. To date, the program has trained more than 28,500 farmers from more than 900 cities/municipalities nationwide.
The event was graced by the presence of TESDA Provincial Director Esther B. Babalo, Sr. TESD Specialist Ofelia Dela Cruz, DOST Director Engr. Shiela Oberio and Ms Mary Beth Grecia, DTI Business Development Head Bambi Regalado, DSWD Private Sector Partnership Offiver Merlan Lanusga, DA HVCDP Coordinator Junefer Prades Asst. SM City Iloilo Mall Manager Darrel Defensor, SM City Iloilo Senior PR Manager Troy Camarista, SM Foundation Project Supervisor Jennelyn Lizardo, LGU Pavia Rep Rosela Jardinel, Vice Mayor Isabelo Beloy Maquino and the members of the Sanguniang Bayan of Sta Barbara. Hon. Ramon Sullano, PCL President and Ex-officio Sanguniang Panlalawigan Member represented the Provincial government to show support to the farmer beneficiaries.
A total of 75 farmers from the towns of Santa Barbara and Pavia will be trained in order to be equipped with modern farming techniques that will enable them to have quality produce—which they may consume at home or sell for additional source of income.