The SM Foundation’s Kabalikat sa Kabuhayan (KSK) Farming Program was established in line with SM Group founder Henry Sy, Sr.’s mission to help Filipino farmers become more self-sufficient and productive while contributing to local food security. 

Rooted in his core values, the program has since empowered over 30,000 Filipino farmers, transforming small plots of land into sustainable sources of income. One of them is Mercy Pacat from Bataan.

Before Mercy became the leader of the Ecobloom Farmers Association, she focused on running the household. Her husband was the family’s sole financial provider. Life was simple and challenging but manageable—until the pandemic struck. She lost her husband and suddenly became the sole provider for their three children. 

With no stable income, she turned to her small backyard, planting vegetables in recycled water bottles. What began as a way to feed her family grew into something bigger: a new path forward. 

“Mayroon po talaga akong kagustuhan na madagdagan ang aking kaalaman,” Mercy shared. This desire to learn led her to KSK, which taught her the potential of farming not just as a necessity, but as a livelihood.

Through the training with the SM Foundation, she learned about planting high-value crops, making organic fertilizers, strategies for managing money wisely, allowing her to plan and grow a small business.

“Gumanda po ang aming buhay pagkatapos ng KSK. Hindi na lang po kami nasa bahay—araw-araw po kaming nasa garden,” she said. “Naging mas exciting po nang nakapagtinda kami sa SM City Bataan. Dati, dumaraan lang kami dito at nangangarap na, ‘Sana balang araw ay makapagtinda din kami dito.’”

Since graduating from the program, they have added 1,100 square meters (sqm) planting area to the existing 500 sqm. They cultivate a wide variety of crops, including chilis, root vegetables, tomatoes, pepper, okra, eggplant, and water spinach.

Since October 2024, they’ve harvested around 500 kilograms of tomatoes alone. Their produce, all grown organically, is also sold within the community and to loyal customers who buy in bulk. The group has also begun joining the SM Weekend Market at SM City Bataan, earning roughly P10,000 each weekend.

“Tumatak sa akin sa mga prinsipyo ni Tatang Henry Sy, Sr. na ‘work hard’ at ‘social responsibility is important,’” she proudly smiled.

These values are now embedded in the mission of Ecobloom. She shared that their belief in the potential of organic farming not only helps them earn a livelihood, but also contributes to the health of their customers and the sustainability of the environment.

Today, Mercy continues to support her children’s education—one of whom has already earned a college degree. With an abundant harvest of chilis from their organic farm, they are now exploring opportunities in food processing, starting with the production of chili garlic products.

Through the ideals of Henry Sy, Sr., and the support of the KSK program, the Ecobloom Farmers have indeed reaped the harvest of success.

You can find the Ecobloom Farmers and other KSK farming communities at the SM City Bataan Weekend Market, located at the Bataan Terminal Complex beside SM City Bataan, every Saturday and Sunday from 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m..

To learn more about the KSK program and other social good initiatives, visit www.sm-foundation.org.