Central to this mission is the Kabalikat sa Kabuhayan (KSK) Farming Program under SM Foundation, which has already trained 32,359 farmers. Across the broader SM Group, including partners like the Philippine Geothermal Production Co. (PGPC), over 49,000 farmers nationwide have received capacity-building support.
In 2025, SM Foundation is set to expand the KSK program to more rural and underserved communities in Northern Mindanao, Bicol, and parts of the Visayas, further broadening the reach of its agricultural development efforts.
Investing in smallholder farmers
“We believe inclusive growth starts at the community level,” said Cristie Angeles, SM Foundation’s assistant vice president for livelihood and outreach programs. “By investing in smallholder farmers, we are not only helping secure local food supply chains but also creating pathways to improved quality of life in the rural sector.”
Through hands-on training, KSK participants learn backyard and small-scale farming techniques aimed at improving crop quality and yield. Beyond skills development, the program links farmers to local markets and SM’s broader supplier network, helping form cooperatives and enabling long-term income generation for families.
Training, technology, stable markets
This initiative aligns with insights from the Asian Development Bank, which identifies smallholder farmers as vital to global food systems—representing 84 percent of all farms and producing nearly a third of the world’s food.
In the Philippines, where many farmers manage less than a hectare, access to training, technology, and stable markets is key.
To enhance market access, SM launched the SM Weekend Market, giving local farmers and agripreneurs the opportunity to directly sell their produce at high-footfall mall locations. This venue connects them with a new base of customers, from everyday shoppers to mall tenants.
Urban food sustainability
The SM Group’s agricultural efforts also extend to urban spaces. Through PGPC’s partnership with the Makiling Center for Mountain Ecosystems, it supports sustainable gardening and identifies long-term farm sites, promoting urban food sustainability.
Together, these initiatives reflect SM’s broader vision of enabling inclusive, community-driven development that supports rural prosperity and national food resilience. —Ed: Corrie S. Narisma
