SM Foundation Inc. held the Kabalikat Sa Kabuhayan (KSK) batch 243 and 244 graduation on July 21 at SM City Bataan.
The ceremony was graced by esteemed guests from SM City Bataan, SM Supermarket , Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), Department of Science and Technology (DoST), Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), and the Municipality of Dinalupihan.
During the graduation ceremony, the graduates presented their sustainability plan, which featured a project called “Talipapa.” This
initiative involved allocating space in every barangay for farmers to directly supply their abundant harvest to households, ensuring that farmers receive fair profits.
The sustainability plan also included establishing a Kabalikat sa Kabuhayan Cooperative to encourage mutual assistance and promote business sustainability.
Some graduates expressed their aspirations to seek overseas employment and become TESDA trainers.
The KSK graduation served as a platform for promoting community engagement. Local farmers, SM Supermarket, Municipality of Dinalupihan and partner government agencies discussed ways to promote sustainable farming in Bataan.
The day preceding the graduation ceremony, a harvest festival took place at D Planner’s Farm in Dinalupihan, displaying the bountiful harvests of the farmers.
SM City Bataan arranged entertaining games, granting the farmers an opportunity to unwind after weeks of training.
Ray Del Valle, the SAVP of SM Markets Public Relations Affairs, conveyed SM Foundation and SM Markets’ collaborative efforts and unwavering support for enhancing the livelihoods of Filipinos.
Cristie Angeles, AVP of SM Foundation emphasized that the farmers should actively help people instead of relying on assistance themselves.
She hopes that the farmers would be able to supply their own harvests in SM Supermalls, while striving to become the best versions of themselves.
In addition to the celebration, the graduates received their National Certificate II from TESDA, providing them with opportunities to advance their careers in the farming sector.
The goal of SM Foundation Inc.’s KSK program is to promote food sufficiency, increase farmer’s income, and enhance their entrepreneurial skills to become successful agripreneurs.