Founded on the visionary ideas of its founder, Henry Sy, Sr., and fueled by a program initiated in 2007, SM Foundation orchestrated a remarkable event last July 7. Simultaneous Urban Farming initiatives were launched at SM City North Edsa Annex and 16 other SM malls, symbolizing the substantial progress the foundation has made over the years. This event served as a joyous occasion to commemorate the visionary journey and to express gratitude to the strategic government agencies and LGUs (Local Government Units) that have been invaluable partners throughout the 16-year journey.
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| SM North Edsa |
The SM Foundation leads the Urban Farming initiative through its Kabalikat Sa Kabuhayan on Sustainable Agriculture Program (KSK-SAP). This program is dedicated to uplifting the farmer community while promoting environmental consciousness, enhancing food security, and generating livelihood and income opportunities for marginalized urban communities. The KSK-SAP provides a holistic approach to urban farming by offering comprehensive training in various techniques, product development, marketing, and basic accounting through strategically-located field schools.
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| SM City Roxas |
With remarkable success, the KSK program has organized more than 260 sustainable agricultural training, benefiting a substantial number of 28,550 farmers. These trainings have been conducted in diverse settings, encompassing both rural and urban areas, providing participants with invaluable knowledge in sustainable farming modules. The focus of these modules is on cultivating nutritious and high-quality vegetables and fruits, fostering healthier and more resilient agricultural practices.
In collaboration with the SM Foundation, SM Supermalls, and SM Markets, a strong partnership has been forged with several government agencies and the Quezon City Government. These key government organizations, including 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, and the Department of Tourism, all play pivotal roles in ensuring the continued success and sustainability of the program.
By involving SM Supermalls and SM Markets in the initiative, the SM Foundation has created a platform for urban farmers to showcase their produce. After successful harvests, these farmers are provided with an opportunity to market and sell their products at Sunday Markets, held in various malls across the nation. As the volume of produce expands beyond the scope of the Sunday markets, SM Markets offer additional alternatives for distribution and sale, ensuring that every avenue is explored to guarantee the program's success.
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| SM Clark |
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| SM City Naga |
The main objective is to establish integration and circularity, giving rise to a self-sustaining mini-economic ecosystem. The focus is not only on teaching the farmers how to cultivate and harvest but also on providing them with viable channels to monetize their produce. To achieve this, the SM Foundation actively forges strategic partnerships, ensuring that genuine income opportunities become an integral part of the entire scenario. The aim is to empower the farmers with the means to prosper and thrive through their agricultural endeavors.
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| SM Cebu |
Back in 2007, when Henry Sy, Sr. envisioned this path, little did anyone foresee how prophetic it would be in anticipating the pressing challenges we now confront in agriculture, sustainable food production, food security, and urban development. Today, that vision and dream continue to thrive, carried on with immense pride by the members of the SM Foundation, as they work passionately to bring it to fruition.
SM is steadfast in its mission to create a sustainable environment, and this commitment is evident in various groundbreaking initiatives. As trailblazers, SM was among the first to incorporate renewable energy into mall buildings and implement energy-saving devices, achieving noteworthy sustainability milestones along the way.
Embrace a more sustainable lifestyle at smgreenmovement.com and be part of the #SMGreenMovement, where we actively contribute to a greener, healthier future for all.
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