Farming forward
SM Foundation KSK graduate pays it forward by sharing farming knowledge
After a fulfilling career in agriculture, young SM Foundation KSK alumnus Ricky Valdez established an integrated farm to help inspire interest in the agricultural industry.
“Kailangan nating ipakita sa kabataan na sila talaga ang pag-asa ng bayan.”
Ricky Valdez, the youngest graduate of the 2013 SM Foundation’s Kabalikat sa Kabuhayan (KSK) Farming Program batch in Cauayan City, Isabela, asserted.
Over a decade after finishing the program, he continues to make an impact, now as a farmer-trainer of KSK Batches 382-385 in Tuguegarao City.
Starting as a farmer-student
Born to farmer parents, Ricky grew up appreciating the value of agriculture. Even before joining the KSK program, he was already active in a youth organization that promoted agriculture, food production, and healthy eating among the younger generation.
When he joined KSK in 2013, he eagerly immersed himself in the hands-on activities and lectures. Even if he was the youngest among his batchmates, he used the time on his hands to learn as much as he could.
"Bilang isang graduate ng KSK, naranasan ko po kung gaano kaganda ang layunin ng programa. Talagang tinuturuan ang mga participants, hindi lang doon sa kaalaman, kundi sa kabuuan. Knowledge, skills, and attitude ang hinuhubog ng programang ito," he shared.
“Isa sa mga pinaka nakatulong sa akin ay ‘yong aktwal naming ginawa ang mga lessons during the training. Iyong mga iyon rin ang nagsilbing guiding principles ko.
Dahil ginagawa mo ng aktwal, wala ng rason para hindi mo ito i-apply after mo mag graduate,” he added.
He calls KSK the triggering force of his career in agriculture. This also built up his mission to bring agriculture closer to communities, especially to the youth, prompting him to finish his degree in agriculture and develop an integrated farm.
Through his farm, he shares knowledge and skills with his community by offering seedlings and conducting basic lectures to the visitors. "Itong mga ibinabahagi ko ay knowledge and skills na nakuha ko nung sumali ako ng KSK. Until now, ang mga natutunan ko, lalo na sa organic farming and high value crops, ay naibabahagi ko," he added.
Ricky with some of the plants he gives away for free to interested members of the communities who visits his integrated farm.
Students now visit his farm to collect seedlings, later returning with photos of their sprouting plants and seeking his advice on cultivation techniques.
Continuing the cycle
Aside from opening his farm to the public, Ricky welcomed another opportunity to share the knowledge he gained by becoming a KSK trainer.
He recently conducted SM Foundation’s farmer’s training program for 100 KSK farmers in Tuguegarao City.
He said the program stands out for its collaborative approach, which brings together partner organizations—including the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), DA, DTI, DOLE, DOST, and TESDA—to help ensure the farmer-students develop sustainable livelihoods that will boost their income and improve their quality of life.
Former KSK farmer in Cauayan City, Isabela he recently trained 100 KSK students from Tuguegarao City, Cagayan.
"Layunin ko po bilang isang KSK trainer… gusto ko na hindi lang maging katulad nila ako kundi higitan pa nila kung ano ‘yung naabot ko bilang isang KSK graduate. Nakikita ko na ‘yung itinuro natin sa SM Foundation ay gagamitin ng mga new graduates to increase their income, especially on farming," he aspired.
A step closer to fulfilling Ricky's hope for his students, the recent graduates in Tuguegarao City were supported by DSWD through a total seed capital of ₱1.5 million, with each farmers' association receiving ₱375,000 to jumpstart their farming businesses.
Each batch successfully formed their own farmers' association.
The young farmer hopes that his journey—from being a KSK student to becoming a farmer and trainer—will inspire younger generations to see farming as a source of hope and a fulfilling way of life.