Based on a vision put forward by founder Henry
Sy, Sr., and a program that began in earnest in 2007; SM Foundation mounted
simultaneous Urban Farming initiatives last July 7, at the SM City North Edsa
Annex and 16 other SM malls. It was a wonderful way to highlight its progress
over the years and to celebrate the vision with the strategic government
agencies and LGUs that have been such valuable partners over the 16 years.
This Urban
Farming initiative is led by the SM Foundation through its Kabalikat Sa
Kabuhayan on Sustainable Agriculture Program (KSK-SAP). It’s about uplifting
the farmer community, fostering environmental consciousness, food security, and
creating livelihood and income opportunities for marginalized urban communities.
Through the KSK-SAP, a comprehensive program of urban farming techniques,
product development, marketing, and basic accounting are offered in
strategically-located field schools.
The
KSK program has successfully conducted over 260 sustainable agricultural
trainings, benefiting a total of 28,550 farmers. These trainings have taken
place in both rural and urban settings, where participants have been exposed to
sustainable farming modules that promote the cultivation of nutritious, high-quality
vegetables and fruits.
Partnering
with the SM Foundation, SM Supermalls, and SM Markets are the following
government agencies; the Department of Agriculture, the Department of Social
Welfare and Development, the Department of Trade and Industry, the Technical
Education and Skills Development Authority, the Department of Science and
Technology, the Department of Tourism, and the Quezon City Government. Each
government organization and LGU plays a vital role in maintaining the viability
of the program, and so that no stone is left unturned in ensuring its success.
As an
example, the SM Foundation has brought SM Supermalls and SM Markets into the
picture so that as these urban farmers successfully harvest, they’re given an
opportunity to market and sell their produce at the Sunday Markets that are now
being held in several malls across the nation. When the produce reaches a
volume that goes beyond this Sunday marketing mechanism, the SM Markets offer
other alternatives.
It’s about
creating integration and circularity so that a mini-economic ecosystem is
realized. After all, it can’t be about teaching them what and how to farm and
then leaving them with no outlet with which to monetize this harvest. The SM
Foundation creates these strategic partnerships so that true income
opportunities become part of the overall scenario.
Who would
have thought that this vision of Henry Sy, Sr., back in 2007, would have been
so uncanny in predicting the mounting problems and issues we face today in
agriculture, sustainable food production, food security, and urban development?
It’s a vision and dream that those in the SM Foundation are very proud to carry
on, and deliver.
SM is in
the business of creating a sustainable environment. From being the first to
consider renewable energy in mall buildings, to implementing energy-saving
devices, we continue to meet significant sustainability milestones.
Join us as we commit to a more sustainable lifestyle at smgreenmovement.com and #SMGreenMovement
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