SM Foundation’s Farmers’ Training Program Produces 87 Graduates in Bulacan


by Eloisa Samonte-Silverio

At least 87 farmer trainees recently completed a 14-week training program of SM Foundation’s Kabalikat sa Kabuhayan in Bulacan.

1. SM City Marilao hosted the SM Foundation’s Kabalikat sa Kabuhayan on Sustainable Agriculture Program commencement, attended by 45 graduates who underwent rural farming. Present during the ceremony are partners from the local government unit, government agencies, service provider Merryland Integrated Farm & Training Center, SM Markets, and SM Supermalls, represented by AVP of the SM Foundation Livelihood and Outreach Programs Cristie Angeles (3rd row, 5th from left), together with SM City Marilao Mall Manager Engr. Emmanuel Gatmaitan (3rd row, extreme left).

The program is made possible in close coordination with the local government units in Bulacan, the Department of Agriculture (DA), the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), the Department of Tourism (DOT), SM Markets, SM Supermalls, and Merryland Integrated Farm & Training Center Inc.

In SM City Marilao, the SMFI-KSK commencement was attended by 45 graduates from Barangay Loma de Gato and Sta. Rosa 2 in Marilao on October 25, while SM City Baliwag marked the completion of at least 42 graduates from Barangay San Roque in Angat on October 23.

All the graduates underwent training on several facets of farming, including land preparation, seedling, fertilizer concoction, sustainability workshops and forums, financial literacy and bookkeeping, pricing and costing, as well as product development.

In addition to SMFI-KSK certificates, the graduates received their National Certificate II from TESDA, providing them with opportunities for career advancement in the farming sector.

Aside from the presentation of certificates, market tours with SM Markets were held, allowing the trainees to explore and understand marketing opportunities in farming.

As a steadfast advocate of green and sustainable living, SM Supermalls, through its corporate social responsibility arm, SM Foundation Inc., gears to support the government’s food security agenda through said agriculture program.

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