TUGUEGARAO CITY, Philippines- One hundred fifty seven farmers graduated from Kabalikat sa Kabuhayan (KSK) Rural Farmers Training Program of SM Foundation and Harbest Agribusiness Corporation on Friday, October 20.
The beneficiary-trainees consisted of 44 vegetable growers from the 4Ps community and 113 vegetable growers selected by Tuguegarao City Agriculture Office.
The said farmers underwent training in the city’s demo farm since July 19 and were introduced to various farming techniques and organic pest repelling and fertilizer methods.
The day before, the said farmers were able to harvest 21 varieties of vegetables and fruits in the demo farm. The crops may be sold to SM Hypermarket in SM Center Tuguegarao if they meet SM Supermarkets’ quality standards, the city government said.
In the graduation ceremony, SM Foundation Assistant Vice-President for Livelihood and Outreach Programs Christie Angeles congratulated the graduates.
Angeles said the farmers will now replicate the project in their respective barangays. She said that this project will greatly improve the livelihood of farmers.
Meanwhile, Cagayan First District Board Member Olivia Pasucal who was also in attendance lauded the project and hoped that the program will also be conducted in other towns in Cagayan. She urged the farmers to apply their new knowledge and sustain their produce.
The project is in collaboration with Tuguegarao City Government, Department of Social Welfare and Development, Department of Agriculture, and Harbest Agribusiness Corporation.
The graduate farmers also performed musical and creative presentations during the ceremony. Northernforum.net
