The SM Foundation Inc. has taken another step in its mission to enhance the agriculture and entrepreneurial skills of farmers, by recently launching the Kabalikat sa Kabuhayan on Sustainable Agriculture Program across various locations in Calabarzon.

Beginning with its launch in Padre Garcia, Batangas on 13 April 2023, the program has since been extended to Silang, Cavite, Batangas City, San Pablo, Laguna, and Calamba City. SMFI is also set to provide free agri-skills training to local farmers in other parts of the region to help other beneficiaries uplift their families and communities.

The local farmer-beneficiaries will undergo a two-phased program, spearheaded by SMFI‘s partner school Moca Family Farm RLearning Center, Inc.

The program kicked off with an immersive 14-week training program designed to equip participants with essential skills and knowledge on agriculture. The modular training curriculum covers topics on the latest agri-technology updates, capacity-building, financial literacy, product development and market opportunities. Through these comprehensive modules, KSK-SAP aims to empower and enhance farmers’ agricultural practices and explore avenues for sustainable growth.

As a highlight of the program’s first phase, KSK-SAP farmers will join the SM Sunday Market, a collaborative initiative between the SM Foundation and SM Supermalls that offers trainees a valuable opportunity to showcase their agricultural produce and gain first-hand experience in institutional selling. Through this market opportunity, participants can not only generate income but also cultivate their expertise and experience in the sales and marketing aspects of their agri-businesses.

To prepare for the second phase of the program, SMFI will assist the farmers in formalizing their respective groups. To boost their earning capactiy and contribution to economic growth, the foundation will support them in creating a sustainable and profitable farming community through the assistance of partner agencies.

KSK-SAP originated from the vision of SMFI’s founder Henry “Tatang“ Sy Sr. to establish a sustainable initiative that would uplift the farming skills, food security and livelihood know-how of low-income Filipino farmers. Over the years, the program has evolved into a comprehensive training program that generates opportunities for skills development, employment and livelihood.

Since its inception in 2007, KSK-SAP has helped more than 28,000 marginalized farmers from rural and urban areas across the country, fueling their entrepreneurial and farming capabilities. As a result, some of the program’s graduates have turned into seasonal suppliers for the SM group and other local markets.

SM Foundation’s KSK-SAP is conducted in partnership with SM Supermalls, TESDA, DA, DSWD, DoST, DTI, DoT and partner farm schools.