Echague, Isabela—To empower the marginalized farmers with updated agricultural farm technology on high value crops so they can produce a bountiful harvest even on a limited space, Department of Social Welfare and Development Field Office 02 thru a Memorandum of Agreement had committed to help the marginalized farmers enhance their profitability together with SM Foundation, Inc, Department of Agriculture, Harbest Agribusiness, Corp., and Isabela State University.

Launched at Isabela State Universty-Echague Main Campus last April 11, 2013, the Kabalikat sa Kabuhayan Farmers Training Program is the main livelihood advocacy program of SM Foundation, Inc., which is implemented in partnership with DSWD, DA, Harbest Agribusiness, Corp. and in cooperation of Local Government Units and Non-Government Organizations.

Around 160 farmers from different municipalities in Isabela are set to join the training program of which, 50 slots are allotted to the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino program beneficiaries from the municipalities of San Mariano and Echague, ISabela.

The program involves a 12-week modular, classroom lectures and hands-on training on high value crop production, product development, marketing and basic bookkeeping.

DSWD Field Office 02 thru its Sustainable Livelihood Unit will also conduct entrepreneurial skills training for the participants coinciding with the agricultural training that will be conducted by Harbest Agribusiness, Corp.

At the end of the training program, the farmers’ produce will be introduced and sold to SM stores in nearby cities to give them an opportunity to become suppliers. ### By Angely Lubo-Mercado, DSWD Regional Information Officer