ABOUT 183 farmers from different barangays in Cebu City completed the 12-week training initiated by SM Foundation’s Kabalikat sa Kabuhayan.

The program was administered by Macondray Philippines, SM Foundation’s project partner.

Kabalikat sa Kabuhayan is a 12-step program that teaches seed culture and propagation, irrigation and fertilizer application, effective backyard planting and small-scale farming techniques for fruits, and vegetables with the cultivation of high yielding vegetables.

On Nov. 12, 2019, a harvest festival preceded the graduation rites at San Nicolas Elementary School. The following day, the 183 farmer graduates went on a familiarization tour inside SM Supermarket in SM City Cebu to see the fresh fruits and vegetables on display for its customers.

The farmers then held their graduation rites at the Event Centre of SM City Cebu. Each of them received their diplomas.

SM Foundation’s assistant vice president Cristie Angeles congratulated the graduates for completing the program. She encouraged the farmers to continue and replicate their teachings by forming cooperative groups.

Also present during the graduation ceremony were Cebu City Agriculturist Joey Baclayon and representatives from the Department of Social Welfare and Development, Department of Social Welfare and Services in Cebu City, SM City Cebu’s assistant mall manager Malou Kiunisala and SM Markets senior assistant vice president Eva Du.

The foundation is committed to giving back to the community by supporting and empowering host communities through education, health care, shelter, disaster response, farmers’ training, environmental programs and care for persons with special needs. (S)