While modern agricultural techniques boost yields for some, there
remains a number of Filipino farmers who struggle to keep pace. These
experienced hands find themselves falling behind in a market demanding higher
production, clinging to familiar yet often inefficient methods passed down
through generations.
One farmer from Pampanga, Jayson Garcia, sought to disrupt this
prevailing narrative in his family. He knew that he had to chart a new course
forward for his farm and innovate to remain competitive within the rapidly
evolving landscape of modern agriculture.
“Noon, mahirap ang magtanim,” he recalled their life before joining SM
Foundation’s Kabalikat sa Kabuhayan. “Para bang tsambahan, basta pag itinanim
mo ‘yan, hintayin mo na lang mamunga. Mas mahirap pa lalo kapag nagkaroon ng
kalamidad,” he added.
SM Foundation’s training program focused on high-value crop cultivation
was the breakthrough Garcia needed to revitalize his farming techniques. These
included selecting the best seeds and caring for them as well as strategic
planting schedules.
The livelihood program also gave way for him to discover alternative
sales channels that enhanced his earning potential while extending fair prices
to his customers. The knowledge and confidence he gained led him to expand his
farm, and in effect, increased his monthly income to more than Php25,000.
Aside from directly selling his harvests, he is now planting a variety
of vegetables–on his farm, including lemongrass, malunggay, and madre de cacao,
which he sells online to small businesses that process the produce into other
products.
Embracing new techniques
Sharing the same story of hope is another KSK
farmer from Pampanga, Juanito Dela Cruz. Despite his age, he actively pursued
and adopted modern farming techniques. Building on his current success, he
shared the importance of adaptability for farmers, calling for others to try
and explore new practices.
From a modest monthly income of Php10,000,
Juanito experienced an upsurge in his earnings, notably through participation
in the Weekend Market at SM City Clark, yielding around Php30,000 weekly. “Kailangan
maging bukas tayo sa makabagong pamamaraan ng pagsasaka para makahabol tayo sa
demands ng panahon ngayon—ito ang itinuo sa akin ng SM Foundation-KSK,” he
said.
The SM Group’s KSK program has changed the lives
of roughly 30,000 Filipino farmers, including Jayson and Juanito. Through its
initiatives, farmers who once lost hope have been able to embrace modern
farming techniques, leading to adaptability in the face of the evolving
agricultural landscape.
The SM Group, through SM Foundation, remains steadfast in its commitment to spreading social good. This dedication extends to SM’s forthcoming endeavors to be led by its future smart city property development – with focus on enhancing positive social impact in the communities where SM operates.
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