Jordan, Guimaras—The 12-week dual-tech training program in vegetable farming for 160 participants has culminated in a graduation ceremony held at SM City Iloilo.
The graduates comprised Batch 211 of SM Foundation’s Kabalikat sa Kabuhayan Rural Farmers’ Training Program, which was conducted in Balcon Maravilla in Guimaras’ capital town here.
Through the program, the participants are equipped with knowledge in organic farming, given a values formation seminar to learn the life principles of SM founder Mr. Henry Sy Sr., taught financial literacy, and assisted in making of sustainability plans.
During the graduation ceremony, Cristie Angeles, SM Foundation Vice President for Outreach and Livelihood Programs, exhorted the graduates to pursue their dreams of becoming farmer-entrepreneurs by forming associations and to replicate what they learned in their respective farm lots.
Jordan Mayor Ruben Corpuz delivered an inspirational message, while Norma Ruth Raymundo of the Department of Social Welfare and Development Central Office said the agency was very happy to help the farmers. She also told the graduates to be proud as farmers, reminding them that farmers feed the people.
As part of the graduation activities, the graduates were given a market tour of SM Supermarket Mandurriao by Jufel Subosa, Assistant Store Manager. A son of a farmer, Subosa said the supermarket is always there to assist the graduates.
SM Foundation’s project partners for this KSK training program are Harbest Agribusiness Corp., the local government of Jordan, the Municipal Agriculture Office, DSWD Region VI, BDO Foundation, SM City Iloilo, SM Hypermarket Iloilo, SM Supermarket Mandurriao, and Savemore Iloilo.