Village Connect
The SM Foundation’s Kabalikat sa Kabuhayan (KSK) on Sustainable Agriculture program has been a beacon of hope for Filipino farmers since 2007, equipping them with modern farming techniques and entrepreneurial skills to uplift their livelihoods. Recently, 100 farmers from Laoag, Ilocos Norte, celebrated the completion of a transformative 14-week training program aimed at preparing them to overcome agricultural challenges and seize new opportunities.
The training introduced sustainable farming practices such as organic methods, crop rotation, and climate-resilient strategies, coupled with business essentials like financial literacy and marketing. One of the graduates, Ferdinand Claro, expressed how the program changed their perspective: “Before KSK, farming was a daily struggle without direction. Now, we have a clear path and strategies to overcome challenges like typhoons.”
The farmers are now scaling up operations with the help of a ₱2 million seed capital granted by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD). This funding will support livestock farming initiatives, enabling the farmers to diversify their income streams. Additionally, the new batch has formed farmers’ associations, with one group earning ₱8,000 from their demo farm.
The graduates are also set to supply fresh produce to the DSWD’s Zero Hunger Program in Laoag, contributing to food security and community nutrition.
Adding a full-circle moment to the program, John Lei Ganiron, a former KSK graduate, served as the trainer for this batch. Once an electronics engineer, John left his career to return to farming, inspired by his father’s sacrifices. Today, he shares his expertise with fellow farmers, empowering them to achieve sustainable growth.
The KSK program, conducted in partnership with various government agencies and SM Supermalls, reflects SM Foundation’s unwavering commitment to community development and food security across the Philippines.
