More than just a farmers’ training program – Tempo – The Nation’s Fastest Growing Newspaper

SM Basis (SMFI), via its Kabalikat Sa Kabuhayan on Sustainable Agriculture Program (KSK SAP), stretches its efforts to achieve our marginalized farmers from grassroots communities and convey them superior farming methods.

The coaching run, which transpired for 14 weeks, was performed on-site and by way of studying modules. And to counterpoint the on-site software skillset of every trainee, every participant is assigned with a 100 sqm to be able to strengthen their experientialstudying on land preparation, correct seed sowing, transplanting, plastic mulching and harvesting, amongst others.

Other than agri-production coaching, they have been additionally assisted in linking with potential markets and in forming cooperatives.

SM KSK SAP goals to advertise agri-preneurship, neighborhood empowerment, meals safety and expertise enhancement. Program companions are Technical Training and Abilities Growth Authority (TESDA), Division of Agriculture (DA), Division of Commerce and Trade (DTI), Division of Tourism (DOT), Division of Science and Expertise (DOST), St Isidore The Farmer Studying Middle Inc, and native authorities models.

Catalyst for change

Behind each SM Basis KabalikatsaKabuhayan (KSK) farmers’ coaching program are the trainers who unselfishly share their expertise and time to make sure that upon completion of the coaching program, the members are outfitted with the data and methods on tips on how to domesticate their lands extra productively.

Marlon S. Capsitrano was the coach for the not too long ago concluded KSK SAP Batch 227 in Nueva Ecija. He holds a BS in Agriculture diploma and can be a TESDA coach.

In line with him, his trainees are diligent and hardworking, “Masipag sa masipag ang mga estudyantesa Tamale. Dumarating ‘yung level na halos ‘di mo na sila maawat dahil sa eagerness nila dahil ang sabi nila palagi walang nagsisimula sa mataas agad. Naniniwala sila na kailangan nilang samahan ng sipag ang oportunidad na naibigay sa kanila upang umunlad ang kanilang buhay.”

He shared that attending to the agri-demo website was a problem. It takes virtually an hour to achieve Sitio Tamale that entails crossing a river, three creeks and a mountain. Other than the unpredictable local weather within the mountainous terrain is the problem of the pandemic.

He’s grateful for the help from the municipal authorities of Bongabon for offering a service automobile. “Hindi kasi makakadaan ang mga common na sasakyan lamang kaya ang gamit naming madalas ay ang truck ng NDRRMO,” he stated.

He considers it as a privilege to be a part of KSK SAP Batch 227 and shared that there are nonetheless many farmers in want of coaching similar to this. “Ito yong masasabi ko na ALL IN ONE na karanasan sa agrikultura.” 

KSK on Sustainable Agriculture Program (SAP) Batch 227-A & B was performed at Sitio Tamale, Barangay Digmala, Bongabon, Nueva Ecija. There have been 50 members composed of members of the indigenous neighborhood, beneficiaries of the 4Ps, and different farmers accomplished the coaching.

In the meantime for KSK Batch 226-A at Sitio Sapangmunti, Brgy. San Mateo, Norzagaray, Bulacan that culminated additionally final month, the lead coach was Kevin DC. Vitangcol – who’s a licensed agriculturist.

Armed with a bachelor’s diploma in Animal Science from the Bulacan Agricultural State Faculty, he attended a number of seminars in Rice and Seeds and Farm Mechanization, Agricultural Manufacturing, Natural Agriculture Manufacturing, and Good Agricultural Practices, amongst others.   He was assisted by Eddie B. Alce who works with the Municipal Agriculture Workplace of San Miguel, Bulacan and a volunteer in Municipal Worker of Norzagaray Multipurpose Cooperative.

Key takeaways from this system

Other than studying primary and superior farming methods, the coaching program additionally supplied the members a chance to enhance their interpersonal expertise.

 In line with AdelaidaHipol, one of many KSK trainees in Nueva Ecija, she realized the worth of teamwork, solidarity and fellowship due to this system. “Dahil sa KSK, hindi lamang ako natuto ng mga bagong paraan sa pagsasaka, pinakita din ng programang ito sa amin ang importansya ng pagtutulungan, pagkakaisa, at pakikisama”.

“Ang KSK coaching program ang nagbukas ng aking kaalaman kung paano umangat sa pamumuhay.  Kailangan nating magkaroon ng positibong isipan at pagtitiwala sa sarili”, Estela Ibale, one other KSK graduate stated. 

Requested what a very powerful lesson that she realized from the coaching, KSK Batch 226-A participant Celina Balasoto replied: “Ang pinakamahalagasa akin ay ang displina sa sarili, isa-puso at isa-isip ang bawatnatutunan. Bigyang halaga ang oras at panahon ang mga ginagawa at kung paano mo ito mai-a-apply sa iyong buhay at kung paano ito pagyayamanin upang sa ganuon ay mai-angat mo ang antas ng iyong pamumuhay sa tulong ng bawat natutunan mosa programa.”

Bantay-Gubat Ron Luis R. Cruz and spouse Rochelle, grateful for the coaching, are actually producing greens for his or her consumption.

Their message to future KSK members: “Maganda ang makasali ka sa KSK Coaching – sapagkat magkakaroon ka ng kaalaman at matutokang mag-tanim nang maayos at siguradong could aanihin ka. Basta gawin mo nang maayos ang lahat ng ituturo sa iyo ng inyong trainor, kaya payo ko sa lahat ng gustong makilahok sa KSK Coaching ay makipag-kaisa kayo dahil maganda ang dalang oportunidad ng kanilang coaching.”