The SM Group is expanding its support for smallholder farmers across the Philippines to boost rural development and strengthen food security.

Through its Kabalikat sa Kabuhayan (KSK) farming program, SM Foundation has trained more than 32,000 farmers in sustainable farming techniques. Including efforts by its affiliate, the Philippine Geothermal Production Company (PGPC), the group’s outreach now covers over 49,000 farmers nationwide.

The program is set to grow further in 2025, targeting rural communities in Northern Mindanao, the Bicol Region, and parts of the Visayas, bringing training and market access to underserved areas.

“We believe inclusive growth starts at the community level,” said Cristie Angeles, SM Foundation’s Assistant Vice President for Livelihood and Outreach Programs. “By investing in smallholder farmers, we are not only helping secure local food supply chains but also creating pathways to improved quality of life in the rural sector.”

The KSK program offers hands-on training in backyard and small-scale farming techniques to improve productivity and crop quality. It also links farmers to local markets and SM’s extensive supplier network, encouraging cooperative formation and enabling more reliable, long-term income for farming families.

These efforts align with findings from the Asian Development Bank, which notes that smallholder farmers account for 84 percent of farms in developing countries and produce nearly a third of the world’s food. In the Philippines, where most rural farmers work on less than a hectare, access to technology, training, and markets remains a critical need.

To support this, SM launched the SM Weekend Market, allowing farmers and agripreneurs to sell produce directly to customers in high-traffic mall locations, expanding their customer base and boosting income.

SM’s community initiatives also reach urban areas. Through PGPC, the group promotes sustainable gardening and urban agriculture in partnership with the Makiling Center for Mountain Ecosystems, identifying farm sites for long-term cultivation even in city spaces.