On August 8, 2025, at the 5th level of SM CDO Downtown, SM Foundation, Inc. launched its Kabalikat sa Kabuhayan (KSK) program — a testament to its unwavering commitment to
sustainable development and the empowerment of communities.
This year, 100 farmers from the upland barangays of Lumbia, Bayanga, and Pagalungan gathered not just as participants, but as dreamers ready to transform their lives. Representing a new generation of hope, they were joined by dedicated partners from the City Agriculture Office, City Social Welfare and Development, and national agencies including the Department of Agriculture, Department of Trade and Industry, Department of Social Welfare and Development, Department of Science and Technology, Department of Labor and Employment, Technical Education and Skills Development Authority Misamis Oriental, Department of Trade and Industry Misamis Oriental, and SM Markets.
The launch coincided with the Fiesta sa Kaumahan Agro Fair and Garden Show, where an
inspiring reunion took place. SM Foundation’s Vice President for Outreach Program, Cristina
Angeles, visited proud graduates of the KSK program — men and women who once stood where today’s successful farmers stand, having come from years of dedicated farm training. With warm smiles and baskets brimming with fresh produce, they shared stories of how the program
changed their lives: learning modern, sustainable farming techniques, gaining confidence, and turning small plots of land into flourishing sources of livelihood.
Some of them were given the opportunity to sell their vegetables and fruits at the Kadiwa display in SM City CDO Uptown, SM Supermarket, and local markets — each sale a testament to their perseverance and to the opportunities the program has opened for them. With a more strategic approach, SM Foundation is now working on developing a sustainable farm business plan in which graduates may be prioritized as suppliers for SM Supermarket. Many shared that they have found not just income, but also purpose — waking up each day with a renewed sense of pride in the work of their hands.
Through Kabalikat sa Kabuhayan, SM Foundation continues to sow more than seeds in the soil— it plants seeds of hope, self-reliance, and dignity in the hearts of farmers across the nation. By uniting communities, government agencies, and private partners, the foundation envisions a future where farming is not merely a livelihood, but a legacy to be nurtured and passed on.
For more about SM Foundation and its programs, visit www.sm-foundation.org.
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