SM Foundation, Inc. (SMFI) has taken another step in its mission to enhance the agriculture and entrepreneurial skills of farmers. The organization recently launched the Kabalikat sa Kabuhayan on Sustainable Agriculture Program (KSK-SAP) across various locations in Calabarzon.

Beginning with its launch in Padre Garcia, Batangas on April 13, 2023, the program has since been extended to Silang, Cavite, Batangas City, San Pablo, Laguna, and Calamba City. SMFI is also set to provide free agri-skills training to local farmers in other parts of the region to help other beneficiaries uplift their families and communities.

Empowering local farmers

The local farmer-beneficiaries will undergo a two-phased program, spearheaded by its partner school Moca Family Farm RLearning Center, Inc.

The said program kicked off with an immersive 14-week training program, designed to equip participants with essential skills and knowledge in agriculture. The modular training curriculum covers topics on the latest agri-technology updates, capacity building, financial literacy, product development, and market opportunities. Through these comprehensive modules, KSK-SAP aims to empower and enhance farmers’ agricultural practices and explore avenues for sustainable growth.

As a highlight of the program's first phase, KSK-SAP farmers will join the SM Sunday Market, a collaborative initiative between SM Foundation and SM Supermalls. This platform offers trainees a valuable opportunity to showcase their agricultural produce and gain firsthand experience in institutional selling. Through this market opportunity, participants can not only generate income but also cultivate their expertise and experience in the sales and marketing aspects of their agri-businesses.

KSK Trainees at Tabangao Ambulong, Batangas City, Batangas

To prepare for the second phase of the program, SMFI will also assist the farmers in formalizing their respective groups. To boost their earning capactiy and contribution to economic growth, the foundation will support them in creating a sustainable and profitable farming community through the assistance of its partner agencies.

KSK-SAP originated from the vision of SMFI’s founder Henry "Tatang" Sy Sr. to establish a sustainable initiative that would uplift the farming skills, food security, and livelihood know-how of low-income Filipino farmers. Over the years, the program has evolved into a comprehensive training program that generates opportunities for skills development, employment, and livelihood.

Since its inception in 2007, KSK-SAP has helped more than 28,000 marginalized farmers from rural and urban areas across the country, fueling their entrepreneurial and farming capabilities. As a result, some of the program's graduates have turned into seasonal suppliers for the SM group and other local markets.

SM Foundation’s KSK-SAP is conducted in partnership with SM Supermalls, TESDA, DA, DSWD, DOST, DTI, DOT and partner farm schools.   

Teaching surpasses the realms of jobs or professions–it encompasses service, vocation, and life mission.

Proving this day and night are millions of Filipino teachers who stand as second mothers to students. One of them is Rosalie Macaspac, an SM scholar alumna who chose to pursue a career in Special Education (SPED).

Life’s work

Choosing to teach, especially pursue SPED, is a path less travelled. Out of over 800,000 public school teachers, only about 4,000 are in SPED, and Rosalie is one of the few who took the path. For 21 years now, the SM scholar alumna has dedicated her life to teaching SPED students. She wanted to empower and give special children a voice by advocating the welfare of deaf learners.

Rosalie Macaspac (left) interprets the contents of the program for her students.

With much dedication and determination to have the right skills for her students, she pursued graduate studies in special education and Filipino sign language at the Philippine National University and De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde, respectively.

She currently teaches at the Philippine School for the Deaf in Pasay, the only government-owned institution for the deaf in the country. Here, she spearheaded the numeracy skills training program for deaf learners.

Embedding grit, greatness

Her journey to becoming an educator was not easy. Her parents separated when she was three years old, and her mother became the breadwinner.

“In the early years of my life as a three year old, awareness of how hard life is became a part of my growing up. I grew up with a mindset that whatever happens, I will not abandon my studies. Sensing my determination, my mother earned a living by washing and ironing clothes of our neighbors. I came to realize my mom had to wash and press thousands and thousands of clothes so I could finish my studies. But I did not pity myself. Instead, I kept a strong determination to battle on and promised my mother that she will not grow old and die as a laundry woman,” she said.

The weight on their shoulder became heavier when her mother became bedridden for half a year. Instead of slowing her down, it did the opposite. She continued her studies with much determination. With the help of her uncle, the Missionaries of Charity, and the puto bigas she sold, they could get by.

She finished primary school with good grades, and was a consistent honor student in high school, despite having one centavo allowance and rice and coffee as meals. With good standing, she had her mind set on her next goal: going to college.

“Giving up or surrendering wasn’t in my vocabulary. The strong heart of my mother was passed on to me as she was my inspiration to strive to get us out of the predicament we were in,” she stressed.

“When I was in fourth year high school, I was deep in thought of what to do to support my college education. Then, God in all His goodness, stepped in again. The Guidance Office in our school announced that the SM Foundation was offering scholarships for qualified students. I knew at that very moment that He was with me. All I had to do is to apply for the scholarship,” she recalled.

Rosalie (fifth from left) and her fellow scholar alumni take a photo with SMIC Executive Director Harley Sy (third from left)

She vividly remembers sending her SM College Scholarship program application at the Customer Service of the SM in Quiapo and how she learned on May 9, 1995 that she would be interviewed for the scholarship in room 214 of the MSE Bldg. The three-digit number has since become unforgettable for her. By June 1995, Macaspac was among the SM scholars who had started their college education under the scholarship program.

According to her, the scholarship helped her become a well-rounded individual. It was the key to the realization of her dreams and paved the way to success. The activities provided by SM Foundation, such as the scholars’ assembly, the orientation, leadership training, sports fest and annual retreat, were very memorable for her.

“Looking back, the retreats, monthly meetings and being able to work in SM as an employee, followed up by our project director boosted my self-esteem and opened my world to service,” she said.

Rosalie at the Philippine School for the Deaf

Before teaching, she first worked as a Merchandise and Planning Control-Clerk at the SM Head Office, which was then located in Calle Echague, Manila. She was hired immediately after college.

Working in DepEd has always been her dream, and she is proud of where she is today: “Since day one of my college days, I aimed to be a public-school teacher. I am happy with my work now as a High School Teacher for Deaf learners. I am so privileged that I am in this community and my heart is entwined with my students.”

“I am not ashamed to tell my colleagues that I had a humble beginning and I thank SM Foundation for putting me where I am now. I owe these blessings to SM, Henry “Tatang” Sy, SM Foundation, Ma’am Nilda Bernaldez, and my fellow SM-Scholars, most especially, my mother. They are all the instruments to why I chose to give back to a special community and dedicate my life to being an effective SPED teacher.”

This year's Earth Hour is all about "creating the Biggest Hour for Earth," and those who want to participate in the global activity are encouraged to spend 60 minutes doing something positive for the planet, in addition to switching off their lights.

SM Supermalls has been supporting Earth Hour and the WWF since the initiative was first held in the Philippines in 2008. This year, customers, tenants and employees at SM malls nationwide are once again encouraged to “Give an Hour for Earth” as SM Supermalls joins the annual Global Lights Switch Off from 8:30 PM to 9:30PM on March 25.

This day also marks the start of the World Wildlife Fund’s Virtual Earth Hour Run, a self-paced run supported by SM Cares, to be held from March 25 to April 30, 2023. The run aligns with SM Supermalls’ bid to make “Earth Hour, Any Hour” as participants are encouraged to adopt an eco-friendly lifestyle by running and win prizes along the way. Joiners may register here and tag SM Cares and WWF as they post their stopovers at SM malls with hashtag #BiggestHourForEarth and #EarthHourVirtualRun.

Aside from these, SM Supermalls has been pushing to minimize its carbon footprint in support of the global green movement through various programs ranging from responsible energy consumption to investing in renewable energy.

For instance, more than 50 percent of the energy consumed by SM malls all over the country now come from renewable sources. In terms of solar energy usage, SM now has 12 malls equipped with energized solar panels, with SM Mall of Asia as the latest mall to receive a solar panel installation, which has a capacity of 2.003 MWp.

SM has also been recognized for exceeding compliance with RA7920 or the New Electrical Engineering Law, which regulates the practice, licensing, and registration of electrical engineers and electricians. This is proof that SM is operated and maintained only by highly qualified engineers.

SM Cares' sustainability initiatives include the Trash-To-Cash Market and the Plastic Waste Collection program, which encourage responsible solid waste disposal among Filipinos; the annual Green Film Festival which promotes environmental awareness among students and the youth; and the International Coastal Cleanup which encourages stakeholders to do their part in keeping our seas and oceans clean.

SM Cares is the corporate social responsibility arm of SM Supermalls, the country’s biggest chain of malls built by one of Southeast Asia’s leading real estate developer, SM Prime Holdings. It is responsible for initiatives that promote sustainability and the development of the community, including programs on Women and Breastfeeding Mothers, Persons with Disabilities, Senior Citizens, and Children and Youth, as well as the Bike-Friendly SM initiative, in addition to its Programs on Environment.

To learn more, visit www.smsupermalls.com/smcares.

Kwento Ni Toto readers!!!! Here's another fun things to do at SM Supermalls this yuletide season! 

NORTH EDSA’S AURORA TRAIL

The illuminating lights of the Aurora Borealis is at the North this Christmas. Walk and indulge in a family friendly immersive experience at the Aurora trail ascending the giant holiday tree with a magical array of lights, forestry, rein-bears & holiday polar express.

 

MEGA SPACE ODYSSEY & 3D WHALE SHARK

Travel to majestic galaxies in outer space and take photos and videos with your space explorer friends. Experience the first-ever immersive 3D LED tunnel in Manila on October 21 to December 25 at the ground level Mega Fashion Hall (at the back of the Giant Christmas Tree).

SM Supermalls introduces the new 3D technology along EDSA by screening a hyper-realistic 3D Whale Shark at SM Megamall’s LED billboard. Bringing you the first in the Philippines, High-Definition Immersive content at the heart of the bustling metropolis. Netizens are awestruck of a larger-than-life Whale Shark peeking out of a digital billboard spanning over 2,000 square foot. The Mega Whale Shark was first teased on April 27 but customers, tourists and motorists can catch the short preview every 15 minutes starting April 28 at peak hours from 12nn to 10pm daily. Watch out for the new 3D content this Christmas. The Philippines has the 2nd largest population of whale shark in the world at over 1,950.

 

MOA SPARKLE OF LIGHT SHOW AND HOLIDAY FIREWORKS

Feel the Christmas spirit as you watch the brightest and merriest indoor Christmas tree music and lights show. Be in awe as you watch over one hundred thousand lights set to music. Catch the show DAILY, every hour from 10am to 10pm until end of December at the Central Atrium.

Enjoy the most awaited and better than ever fireworks display at the MOA Complex every Friday and Saturday from November to December 2022. Make sure to experience this magical moment with your families and loved ones.

 

AURA’s GOLDEN GATEWAY and NIGHTS OF DAZZLING LIGHTS

Tucked behind the giant Christmas tree is a golden gemstone-shaped immersive experience. In partnership with global smartphone brand TECNO Mobile, technology and art meet to transport all who enter this enclosure into scenes of an opulent holiday palace and fantastical golden worlds. Simply present PHP 1,000 in single or collected receipts and enter a whole new world filled with glitz and glamour.

The theatrical room isn’t the only technological experience the mall has. Equally spectacular is a choreographed light and sound display at SM Aura Premier’s Skypark at Level 5. Visitors of the Skypark enter a space with tall tree-like sculptures made of strings of lights. As they go through a forest of lights, a jaw-dropping musical show will entrance and excite them. Visitors can stop and enjoy the choreographed audio and visual performance at 7pm on all Sunday nights of December, including December 25 th itself.

Exciting and enticing! For someone who's a frequent visitor of its establishments, we do look forward to enjoying a happy and fun visit at SM Supermalls. It seems that its yearly extravagance are always expected. So, SM Supermalls brings back the excitement in every visit, joy in every sight, and a magical connection in every experience that will make every Filipino’s Christmas happier and brighter.

 

“This Christmas, we are sending a message of happiness to every Filipino. With every activity we have for them, we hope to inspire everyone to spread sparks of happiness in their homes and communities as we celebrate this year’s holiday festivities,” said Steven T. Tan, president of SM Supermalls.

A new light of experiences will bring happiness and kindness to every Filipino as SM Supermalls create more magical memories and opportunities to touch other people’s lives this holiday season. Check out www.smsupermalls.com and follow @smsupermalls on all social media accounts to stay updated on the various holiday happenings.