The Hands Behind Every Meal

Every meal tells a story. Whether it is a bowl of steaming sinigang on a rainy day, freshly cooked vegetables shared during dinner, or a simple breakfast prepared before sunrise, each dish begins long before it reaches the kitchen. Behind every ingredient are farmers whose daily efforts make food possible for millions of Filipino families.

Across the country, farmers wake before dawn to tend their crops. They work through scorching heat, sudden rains, pests, and unpredictable market conditions. Yet despite their vital role in feeding the nation, many continue to face challenges that go beyond farming itself. For many, producing quality crops is only half the battle. Finding reliable buyers and securing fair prices often prove even more difficult.

Recognizing this reality, SM Foundation’s Kabalikat sa Kabuhayan (KSK) Market Linkage Program has been helping farmers move beyond traditional farming by equipping them with opportunities to become agri-entrepreneurs. Through initiatives such as the SM Weekend Market, SM Bagsakan, and partnerships with various SM consigners, the program creates direct connections between farmers and consumers, allowing growers to earn more from their harvests.

According to SM Foundation Senior Program Manager for Livelihood and Outreach Darel Colarina, the goal is to establish sustainable market opportunities for KSK graduates and provide long-term sources of income. Rather than relying solely on middlemen, farmers gain direct access to customers while building relationships that can support their businesses for years.

The results have been encouraging. Farmers who have been selling through the SM Weekend Market for several years are now generating steady weekly income. Many have also developed loyal customer bases who regularly visit the market to purchase fresh produce directly from growers.

Among the many success stories is Jenny, a 33-year-old mother from Sorsogon City whose journey reflects how market access can transform lives.

Jenny started farming in 2017 to supplement her husband’s income and help support their household. While farming provided an additional source of livelihood, growth opportunities remained limited. Everything changed when she joined the KSK Market Linkage Program in 2023.

Through the program, Jenny gained access to new markets and learned valuable skills that helped strengthen her small farming venture. More importantly, she was able to sell directly to consumers, increasing her earnings and gaining greater control over her business.

Motivated by her desire to care for her mother, who suffers from Alzheimer’s disease, and provide a better future for her young son, Jenny worked tirelessly to maximize every opportunity. Her dedication paid off. Over time, she was able to save more than ₱100,000, which she later invested in a hydroponic lettuce system that improved both production and crop quality.

Today, Jenny oversees nearly every aspect of her farming operation, from planting and harvesting to marketing and selling. What once began as a way to help make ends meet has grown into a thriving livelihood that provides greater stability for her family.

Equally important, she is passing on her knowledge to the next generation. Her eight-year-old son now joins her in learning the basics of planting, harvesting, and using organic farming methods.

For Jenny, agriculture is not only a means of earning a living but also a valuable life skill. She believes that young people should understand where food comes from and appreciate the importance of farming in everyday life.

At a time when fewer young Filipinos are considering careers in agriculture, stories like Jenny’s show how access to markets, education, and support can help reshape perceptions of the industry. By creating opportunities for farmers to succeed, programs like KSK are helping build a future where agriculture remains both sustainable and rewarding for generations to come.