The more he learned, the more he harvested
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The weight of outdated farming can sometimes feel insurmountable, but what if hope could be planted, nurtured, and harvested?
Boy Juan’s story—a testament to the human spirit and the power of the SM Foundation’s Kabalikat sa Kabuhayan (KSK) Farming Program—is a powerful reminder that even the smallest seeds can yield the most abundant rewards.
Boy Juan’s farming journey began by cultivating a small plot of land, a mere 150 to 200 square meters in his backyard. His monthly income fluctuated between ₱500 and ₱3,000, barely enough to meet his family’s basic needs.
As he himself puts it, “Sa likod-bahay lang po ako nagsimula, sa maliit na espasyong 150-200 sqm na ginawan ko ng paraan para maging taniman. Para sa akin, bawat binhing itinatanim ay may kasamang pag-asa. Kaya kahit simpleng tanim lang, malaki ang halaga.”
Determination and the turning point
Juan possessed a thirst for knowledge, constantly seeking ways to improve his farming practices. He believed in the possibility of a better life, a belief that fueled his relentless pursuit of progress.
When he learned about KSK, he seized the opportunity with open arms. He eagerly absorbed the program’s teachings on optimal planting times, effective crop management, and modern farming techniques.
This was the turning point in his life.
A harvest of success and empowerment
What was once a struggle to earn a few thousand pesos a month turned into a profitable venture. He mastered the art of timing his planting and harvesting to coincide with peak market prices.
In 2024, his skillful application of this knowledge resulted in a net income of approximately ₱400,000 from a single ampalaya harvest when the selling price was more than ₱50 per kilo.
His success attracted attention, leading to numerous invitations to share his expertise. His farm has become a model for other farmers, regularly visited by groups eager to learn from his experience.
His gratitude for the program is evident in his words: “Ang pinakanagustuhan ko po sa Kabalikat sa Kabuhayan ay hindi lang basta nagturo sila ng modernong paraan ng pagtatanim—kundi binigyan nila kami ng bagong pag-asa.
“Natutunan ko po na ang farming ay hindi lang basta trabaho, kundi isang negosyo na pwedeng ikabago ng buhay. Bukod sa skills, binuo rin po ng KSK ang aming tiwala sa sarili at paniniwala na kahit simpleng magsasaka, pwedeng umasenso! Kaya para sa akin, ang KSK ay hindi lang training—ito ay tulay papunta sa mas magandang bukas.
“Nakakapagbahagi rin ako ng sariwang gulay at kaalaman dito sa aming barangay. Kaya ang tanim ko ngayon, hindi lang gulay—kundi kabuhayan, malasakit, at pag-asa para sa iba.”
The KSK graduate reminds us that with determination, knowledge, and the right support, even the smallest beginnings can lead to extraordinary achievements.
His final thoughts on the KSK program perfectly encapsulate his transformation:
“Para sa akin, ang Kabalikat sa Kabuhayan ay hindi lang basta training—isa itong biyayang nagbukas ng bagong pintuan sa aming mga magsasaka.
“Dito ko natutunan na ang pagtatanim ay hindi lang hanapbuhay, kundi isang pangmatagalang kabuhayan na pwedeng umangat sa antas ng pamumuhay ng buong pamilya.
“Ang KSK ay nagturo sa amin ng tamang teknolohiya, diskarte sa agrikultura, at higit sa lahat—panibagong pag-asa. Hindi nila kami tinuruan para lang magtanim, kundi para magsimula ng sariling kwento ng tagumpay.
“Sa bawat punla na itinuro nilang itanim, kaakibat niyon ay pangarap na unti-unting nagkakatotoo.”
The farmer from Isabela concludes by sharing that KSK taught him the importance of using the right technology, effective agricultural strategies, and—most importantly—renewed hope.
He says KSK didn’t just teach farmers how to plant, but how to begin their own success stories.
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