ILOILO City – The city government has moved to empower local farmers and fisherfolk by institutionalizing the Kadiwa Merkado Lokal Program, which aims to provide them with expanded market opportunities and access to modern agricultural and fisheries technology.
The Sangguniang Panlungsod recently approved the ordinance for the program, marking a significant step in enhancing the local agricultural sector.
City Agriculturist Iñigo Garingalao said the Kadiwa Merkado Lokal will act as a vital link between farmers, the community, and various stakeholders, including universities, the fishing port, and the Police Regional Office in Western Visayas.
This move is poised to give 15 local farmer associations a platform to reach broader markets, including those as distant as Leon, Iloilo, as the city becomes eligible for additional support and funding from the Department of Agriculture (DA).
“We need their support because our Merkado Lokal, which used to be for city farmers and fisherfolk, has widened. With this ordinance and since we have a tie-up with DA Region 6, we can access even funds and support to help our farmers as far as Leon who are joining us,” Garingalao said.
This initiative also offers a chance for young entrepreneurs to engage in agriculture and fisheries, facilitating their entry into the sector by creating a space for them to start their own businesses.
In line with the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Memorandum Circular 2024-003, the institutionalization of the program positions Iloilo City as a candidate for the Seal of Good Local Governance (SGLG), which would further enhance its local development agenda.
Moreover, the program opens doors for local farmer associations to apply for government grants, which can range from P500,000 to P2 million. This funding is exclusive to local government units that successfully implement Kadiwa, strengthening Iloilo City’s efforts to modernize and expand its agricultural base./PN
Every third week of the month, Iloilo City hosts the Merkado Lokal in front of the Ker and Co. building. During its regular session on March 12, the Sangguniang Panlungsod passed an ordinance officially establishing the Kadiwa Program, now known as the Kadiwa Merkado Lokal Program to help farmers and fisherfolk market their produce and catch. PHOTO COURTESY OF ILOILO CITY PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICE
