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LAOAG CITY – A total of 212 farmers from Ilocos Norte have successfully completed a 14-week intensive training on sustainable and organic agriculture, equipping them with the knowledge and skills to transition from traditional farming to agripreneurship.
The graduation ceremony was held Wednesday at SM City Laoag, where graduates proudly showcased their fresh, organically grown produce at the mall’s atrium — a symbol of their growth and commitment to sustainable farming.
“The organic farming training was truly transformative. We learned so much about soil health, natural pest control, and composting,” said Yvette Javines of Barangay Barit, Laoag City, one of the graduates.
The program, conducted under the Kabalikat sa Kabuhayan (KSK) Sustainable Agriculture Program of SM Foundation Inc., in partnership with various national agencies, aims to empower farmers through modern farming techniques, agribusiness education, and market linkage support.
“Through the help of our mentors and partner agencies, we now have the confidence and know-how to market our produce effectively,” shared Roger Juan of Barangay Navotas. “This program gave us the tools to turn our farming dreams into reality.”
Maylene Quiling, a farmer from Dingras town, expressed pride in earning a national certificate in organic farming production, saying it inspired them to pursue safer and more nutritious food production for their communities.
“We were not just taught modern techniques — we were guided to improve our livelihood with dignity and sustainability,” she said.
KSK trainer and organic farming advocate Marlon Gallano commended the graduates for their commitment to sustainable practices, noting their vital role as “the next stewards of the land” who are determined to move away from chemical-dependent farming.
To further support their transition into agribusiness, eight farmers’ associations from Laoag City and Dingras received a ₱500,000 grant from the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) to fund their livelihood projects.
Additional assistance will be provided by Ilocos Norte Reps. Ferdinand Alexander Marcos and Angelo Marcos Barba, as well as several government agencies including the Department of Agriculture (DA), Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR), Philippine Carabao Center, TESDA, DTI, Philippine Crop Insurance Corporation, and DOLE.
The livelihood proposals include integrated farming projects featuring tilapia and catfish aquaculture, vegetable and ‘lakatan’ banana cultivation, and free-range chicken and egg production — all aimed at building resilient, profitable, and environmentally responsible farm enterprises.
The graduation marks a new beginning for these Ilocano farmers as they move forward — not only as cultivators of the land but as champions of a greener, more sustainable future for Philippine agriculture.
— NPO News Team | PNA-PR
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