Batangas farmers now Kabalikat sa Kabuhayan graduates

PINAMUCAN IBABA, Batangas City, Philippines — Ninety-nine farmer-participants of SM Foundation’s Kabalikat sa Kabuhayan Farmers’ Training Program Batch 202 are now certified KSK graduates.

They received their certificates of completion in ceremonies held at SM City Batangas after a 12-week dual tech training. A harvest festival before the graduation proper was held at the demo farm, where the participants harvested their high-value vegetable and fruits crops.

Twelve-year-old Kathleen Manalo, proud daughter of a farmer, said she was happy about the training as it helps the people in her community.

Another participant, Nerisa Burasilva, 50, councilor of Barangay Malalim, said she learned so much from the training and the experience has been very wonderful.

Marifi Asi Ramirez, 45, a 4Ps beneficiary, said she would sustain her learnings in the training and help other 4Ps beneficiaries to have a good life if she would be given a grant or small capital.

Present in the event were assistant city agriculturist Flora Andal, city veterinarian Mac Hornilla, Mayor Beverley Rose Dimacuha, SM City Batangas mall manager Gemina Buenaflor, SM City Batangas public relations manager Leah De Chavez, Monica Mae Recio of SM Supermarkets, barangay captain Ruel Arce, landowner Monte Manalo, CSWD Batangas head Mila Espanola, SM Supermarket Batangas City store manager Marites Faustino, regional operations manager Marius Cortez and Harbest Agribusiness field instructor Guilbert Pagsinuhin.