CITY OF SAN FERNANDO -- Vice Mayor Jimmy Lazatin lauded on Tuesday, April 24, the SM Foundation Inc. for helping farmers with training on backyard planting, new techniques in farming methods, harvesting fruits, vegetables and other crops.
Lazatin said the Kabalikat sa Kabuhayan is a great boost to the city’s dwindling farmer population, as it tries to give farmers new ways to better produce high value crops.
The Kabalikat sa Kabuhayan is under the support of the Department of Agriculture, Department of Social Welfare and Development, and the City Government of San Fernando, Pampanga. In 2015 alone, the program has trained around 16 to 18 batches in the country.
“Farmers form the backbone of our food sector. The city should always provide support for the farmer sector. Support from non-government organizations is something that the city welcomes for our farmers,” Lazatin added.
Graduates of the training program were instructed on how to produce high quality farm produce for the urban market. Farmers can either sell their produce with SM’s suppliers or through direct selling in urban markets near them.
Meanwhile, City Agriculture and Veterinary Officer Cristina Sangumay expressed her gratitude to SM Foundation for conducting the outreach program in the City of San Fernando.
“Here in San Fernando, these farmers are the second batch fortunate to be part of this training which is helpful to them and 4Ps beneficiaries as well. Through this training, they will learn more about increasing their produce and improving their livelihood,” Sangumay said.