ILOILO – To help small farmers in the province generate more income, the provincial government joined the nationwide simultaneous launch of “Kadiwa ng Pangulo” which provides a venue for farmers to sell their products directly to consumers without having to go through trader-intermediaries.
On Monday, July 17, Gov. Arthur Defensor Jr. led the opening of the “Kadiwa ng Pangulo” together with Provincial Administrator Raul Banias, Provincial Agriculture Office head Dr. Ildefonso Toledo, and representatives from the Department of Agriculture, Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG), Department of Trade and Industry, Department of Social Welfare and Development, and Department of Labor and Employment.
Around 37 exhibitors composed of farmers’ cooperatives, associations and micro-, small- and medium-sized enterprises organizations displayed their produce and processed products at the covered walkway of the Iloilo Provincial Capitol grounds.
“Matagaan ta opportunity ang farmers, ilabi na ang small farmers, nga mag-market sang ila products, but we are reducing market players or middlemen,” said Toledo. “Amo na ni opportunity sang aton konsumidor to access fresh and affordable products nga ginabaligya sang aton farmers.
Among the local products found at the “Kadiwa sang Pangulo” are bananas, sweet potatoes, vegetables, dried goods, rice, fruits, processed products, eggs, and sticky rice food.
The “Kadiwa ng Pangulo” at the capitol grounds will last until Friday, July 21.
Toledo said the provincial government received a directive from the DILG to join the farm-to-consumer market chain program.
The Kadiwa ng Pangulo (Katuwang sa Diwa at Gawa para sa Masaganang Ani at Mataas na Kita) was initiated by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to bring fresh produce and other local products closer to consumers at a lower price and also serve as a market avenue or platform for our local producers./PN
