Philippines' Food Security Strengthened by Sustainable Agriculture Program

PHILIPPINES. The Manila Times (15 October 2023) - THE SM Foundation Inc. recently marked the graduation of farmers who completed a 14-week training program in modern agricultural methods.

The program, Kabalikat sa Kabuhayan on Sustainable Agriculture Program (KSK-SAP), aimed to help marginalized farmers in the Philippines improve their farming practices and economic opportunities.

The SM group held graduation ceremonies in Tanza, Cavite and Masinag, Antipolo for Batches 260 and 254, respectively. The celebration commenced with harvest festivals in their demo farms and market tours with SM Markets to explore selling opportunities and award ceremonies, where they received completion and Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) NC or national certificate 2.

During the 14-week program, farmer trainees received comprehensive training in various aspects of agriculture, including crop cultivation and management, modern planting techniques and best practices in harvesting.

The KSK-SAP program also provided lectures on financial literacy, business development and life principles of Henry Sy Sr. These additional components empowered the farmer-beneficiaries to not only grow crops, but also become agripreneurs, contributing to the nation's food security.

It had been implemented nationwide, with launches and graduation ceremonies held in various locations. Since 2007, the program has benefited over 28,000 marginalized farmers, and some graduates have become seasonal suppliers for the SM group and local markets.

SM Foundation's KSK-SAP was conducted in partnership with SM Supermalls, TESDA, Department of Agriculture, Department of Social Welfare and Development, Department of Science and Technology, Department of Trade and Industry, and partner farm schools.

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