More than a decade after completing the 2013 SM Foundation’s Kabalikat sa Kabuhayan Farming Program in Cauayan City, Isabela, Ricky Valdez, the youngest graduate of his batch, is still making waves—this time as a farmer-trainer for KSK Batches 382-385 in Tuguegarao City.

Raised by farmer parents, Ricky’s appreciation for agriculture wasn’t something that grew overnight. It was in his blood.

Even before joining KSK, he was active in a youth organization that championed agriculture, healthy eating, and food production among younger generations.

When he entered the KSK program in 2013, Ricky dove headfirst into the hands-on activities and lectures.

Despite being the youngest in his cohort, he didn’t waste a second.

He was determined to soak up every piece of knowledge he could, and he credits KSK as the turning point that set his career in motion.

The program didn’t just teach him skills; it ignited a passion to bring agriculture closer to communities, especially the youth.

This mission inspired him to pursue a degree in agriculture and develop his own integrated farm.

Now, Ricky’s farm is not just a place for personal growth—it’s a hub of learning for the local community.

He shares his knowledge freely, offering seedlings to visitors and conducting basic agriculture workshops.

Students regularly visit his farm to collect seedlings, and often return with pictures of their thriving plants, seeking his advice on growing techniques.

Beyond his farm, Ricky has stepped into a new role as a KSK trainer.

Recently, he conducted a farmer’s training program for 100 KSK farmers in Tuguegarao City.

What sets the program apart, Ricky says, is its collaborative approach.

By bringing together partner organizations like the Department of Social Welfare and Development, DA, DTI, DOLE, DOST and Tesda, the program ensures farmers develop sustainable livelihoods that will improve their income and quality of life.

In a heartening development, the recent graduates in Tuguegarao received a total seed capital of P1.5 million from DSWD, with each farmers’ association getting P375,000 to kickstart their businesses.

Each batch also successfully formed their own farmers’ association, marking a step forward in Ricky’s vision for his students’ success.

From KSK student to trainer, Ricky hopes his journey will inspire younger generations to see farming not just as a livelihood, but as a source of hope and fulfillment.

After all, as he proves, the seeds of success are planted early—and they yield the most extraordinary fruits.