Porac, Pampanga—Twenty-five members of the Aeta community in Sitio Pidpid, Porac, Pampanga are among the participants of SM Foundation’s Kabalikat sa Kabuhayan Farmers’ Training Program Batch 217 (TESDA Satellites), which was launched recently.
During the program launch, the Aetas expressed their eagerness to learn the latest techniques in farming that will provide them with better livelihood opportunities and a source of income.
Unlike many of the previous farmers’ training programs conducted, SM Foundation has partnered with the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority to give the trainees the opportunity of going through assessments and certifications. Qualified farmer-trainees are given a national certificate of competency.
Aside from TESDA, program partners are the local government unit of Porac, Department of Social Welfare and Development, Department of Agriculture-ATI, Department of Tourism, Department of Science and Technology, Department of Trade and Industry, Pampanga State University for Agriculture, St. Isidore “The Farmer” Learning Center, SM Markets, and SM Supermalls.