KSK farmers reap rewards of Henry Sy Sr.’s ideals

The SM Foundation’s Kabalikat sa Kabuhayan (KSK) Farming Program was established in line with SM Group founder Henry Sy Sr.’s mission to help Filipino farmers become more self-sufficient and productive while contributing to local food security. 

Rooted in his core values, the program has since empowered over 30,000 Filipino farmers, transforming small plots of land into sustainable sources of income. One of them is Marcy Pacat from Bataan.

Before Mercy became the leader of the Ecobloom Farmers Association, she focused on running the household. Her husband, a driver, was the family’s sole financial provider. Life was simple and challenging but manageable — until the pandemic struck. 

Amid the uncertainty, Mercy lost her husband and suddenly became the sole provider for their three children.

With no stable income, she turned to her small backyard. She and her children started planting vegetables in recycled water bottles. What began as a way to feed her family grew into something bigger: a new path forward.

“I really had the desire to increase my knowledge,” Pacat said in Filipino.

The desire to learn led her to KSK, which taught her the potential of farming not just as a necessity, but as a livelihood.

Through the training with the SM Foundation, she learned about planting high-value crops, composting and making organic fertilizers. She also learned strategies for managing money wisely, allowing her to plan and grow a small business.

“Our life improved after KSK. We are no longer just at home — everyday we are in the garden,” she said. “It became more exciting when we were able to sell produce at SM City Bataan. Before, we just pass by there and dreaming that, ‘Hopefully, someday we can sell here.’”

That dream became a reality. Since graduating from the KSK program, Pacat and the Ecobloom Farmers have added 1,100 square meters (sqm) planting area to the existing 500sqm. They now cultivate a wide variety of crops, including chilis, root vegetables, tomatoes, pepper, okra, eggplant and water spinach.

Since October 2024, they’ve harvested around 500 kilograms of tomatoes alone. Their produce, all grown organically, is sold within the community and to loyal customers who buy in bulk.

The group has also begun joining the SM Weekend Market at SM City Bataan, earning roughly P10,000 each weekend. Ecobloom Farmers and other KSK farming communities are at the Bataan Terminal Complex beside SM City Bataan, every Saturday and Sunday from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Hard work has clearly bore fruit. For Pacat, however, what stands out even more are the values she picked up along the way.

“Two things instilled in me from the principles of Tatang Henry Sy Sr. First is ‘work hard’ and second is ‘social responsibility is important,’” she said, smiling.

These values are now embedded in the mission of Ecobloom. She shared that their belief in the potential of organic farming not only helps them earn a livelihood. Beyond this, it contributes to the health of their customers and the sustainability of the environment.

Today, Pacat continues to support her children’s education — one of whom has already earned a college degree.

With an abundant harvest of chilis from their organic farm, they are now exploring opportunities in food processing, starting with the production of chili garlic products.

Through the ideals of Henry Sy, Sr., and the support of the KSK program, Pacat and the Ecobloom Farmers have indeed reaped the harvest of success.