Farmers complete livelihood training program

MANILA, Philippines - Eighty-five participants to the Kabalikat sa Kabuhayan-Farmers Training Program finished the livelihood training program initiated by SM Foundation with partners Harbest Agribusiness Corp., Department of Agriculture, the provincial government of Batangas with the Nasugbu local government and the Cooperative Development Authority. The participants are residents of Barangay Bulihan, Calayo, Papaya, Looc, Putat, Kaylaway and Wawa in Nasugbu.

Like previous Kabalikat sa Kabuhayan graduation events, a Harvest Festival was also held. Farm produce like honeydew, lettuce, sweetcorn, melon, watermelon, solo squash, cucumber and bitter melon were available for sale.

Among those present during the twin-event were SM Foundation project director Cristie Angeles; Harbest Agribusiness president Arsenio Barcelona; Costa del Hamilo president Jess Lucas, AVP Star Tuason, and Maan Lucas; Rose Barcelon of the Municipal Women’s Coordinating Council; Rhodora Agapay of the Municipal Agriculture Office; and Marlyn Estrella of the Cooperative Development Authority.

The 18th batch of Kabalikat sa Kabuhayan Farmers Training program was launched in Tanza, Cavite recently. Farmers from the municipalities of Tanza, Bacoor, Alfonso, Imus, Magallanes, Maragondon, Indang, Amado, Ternate, Mendez, Naic, Dasmariñas, Kawit, Gen. Emilio Aguinaldo and Indang; and from Trece Martires City are participating in the program.

The training program aims to assist vegetable farmers maximize the use of their land while improving the quality of their produce.