A step towards becoming empowered agripreneurs

SM Foundation recently marked the graduation of the beneficiaries of its Kabuhayan Sa Kabuhayan on Sustainable Agriculture Program (KSK-SAP) farmers’ training in Laguna.

Three batches of farmers from Brgy. Banlic, Calamba, Laguna, Brgy. San Lucas 1, San Pablo, Laguna, and Brgy. Tagapo, Sta. Rosa, Laguna has successfully completed the 14-week training in multiple facets of agriculture.

Through collaboration of SM Foundation and its partners, participants gained valuable knowledge in the cultivation and management of diverse crops, along with the adoption of modern farming techniques and practices for planting, nurturing, and harvesting produce.

The training culminated in a market tour, harvest festival and graduation ceremony, where over 60 farmers from the said batches passed their TESDA National Certificate II in Organic Agriculture Production assessment. This milestone opens doors for the farmers, enabling them to explore agripreneurship or pursue employment opportunities in the thriving organic farming sector, all while applying their skills in sustainable agriculture and food production in accordance with organic farming standards and principles.

The SM Foundation’s KSK-SAP in Laguna was conducted in close collaboration with SM group’s SM City Calamba, SM City San Pablo, SM City Sta. Rosa, and SM Markets; DA, DSWD, DTI, DOST, TESDA, DOT, Local Government Units (Calamba, San Pablo, Sta. Rosa), and partner school MoCa Family Farm RLearning Center, Inc.

Since 2007, the KSK-SAP has fueled the farming and entrepreneurial capabilities of over 28,000 marginalized rural and urban farmers nationwide. Some of the farmers’ training graduates have become seasonal suppliers within the SM group and other local markets.