THE DEPARTMENT of Agriculture’s (DA’s) “Kadiwa ni Ani at Kita” marketing program is garnering popular support from various local government units, barangays, and private sector, and has started benefiting thousands of farmers and consumers.
Following the success of Kadiwa outlets in the different regions of the country, it is time to consider institutionalizing the initiative to start implementing the system in the barangay and at the sitio or purok levels.
A brainchild of DA Secretary William D. Dar, the “Kadiwa ni Ani at Kita” is a marketing system where farmers’ and fishers’ groups can sell their produce directly to the consumers at reasonable prices.
“We are delighted to report that key players in the food value chain, from farmers on the supply side and consumers on the demand, are reaping the benefits of our Kadiwa ni Ani at Kita,” said Dar.
He assures all Filipino families that there is enough food for everyone, which is accessible in public markets and through the outlets of “Kadiwa ni Ani at Kita.”
In Region 6, among the strong supporters of institutionalizing the initiative of Secretary Dar is Ramon Uy Sr. of the Bacolod City-based RU Foundry and Machine Shop Corporation who has opened a space for a Kadiwa outlet, free of charge, at May’s Organic Garden that is located at Kilometer 8 of the south Bacolod highway.
Under the program, Uy explains that permanent Kadiwa stores can be established in the barangays and subsequently subsidized, where natural and healthy agricultural products will be sold.
The target market of the system will be “4Ps” beneficiaries, including beneficiaries of retired army and police personnel, among others.
Kadiwa outlets can either be under franchise, owned and operated by farmers or farmers’ groups, barangays, or owned/operated by qualified private individuals.
Once institutionalized, prices of agricultural commodities can be standardized, and special discounts will be provided to qualified individuals which may have been identified by controlling authorities.
For example, special discounts can be availed by the beneficiaries of 4Ps since the proposed store is subsidized under their program.
On the other hand, retired military and police personnel, including government employees can be accorded with discounts also, provided they qualify under certain categories.
It shall and will be maintained that all agricultural commodities to be sold at the Kadiwa outlets should be sourced from accredited farmers, including small and medium food producers in the locality where the store is located.
Prices of commodities can be predictable since prior arrangements should have been done with farmers and/or suppliers prior to the planting season of every agricultural produce.
The main objective is for the 4Ps to finance the scheme, and in the process of buying the agricultural commodities, we can maintain the dignity of a person, at the same time, eliminating the beggars’ mentality, Uy explains.
“Let’s exert strong efforts to prioritize our marginalized citizens who have limited access to food, much less afford it. No one should be left behind in our war against hunger and Covid-19 pandemic,” Dar earlier said. (jaypeeyap@ymail.com/PN)
