The Department of Agriculture in the Cordillera continues to move vegetables from highland farms to markets in Metro Manila, as part of the “Kadiwa on Wheels” initiative of the government.
The Kadiwa on Wheels was recently rolled out by Agriculture Sec. William Dar delivering volumes of fresh vegetables and other agri-products to be sold in Caloocan, San Juan, Quezon City, and other market outlets.
Aside from the “Kadiwa on Wheels,” consumers may also avail of low-cost fresh produce from Kadiwa stalls located at the Agricultural Training Institute compound.
He enjoins farmers and their associations, local government units, the DA’s agencies, and the private sector to support and participate in the “Kadiwa on Wheels” and “Kadiwa stalls” which will be carried out every week through the DA-Agribusiness and Marketing Assistance Service.
In support of the initiative to keep agri-fishery products moving to the communities and markets, the DA-CAR through its Agribusiness and Marketing Assistance Division (AMAD) assembled another batch of assorted vegetables from Benguet at the Benguet Agri-Pinoy Trading Center and transported to Tondo, Manila. The vegetables consisted of 2,360 kilos of carrots, potato, cucumber, broccoli, and cabbage.
The vegetables were delivered to a supplier in Tondo, according to Jerry Damoyan, chief of the DA-CAR AMAD.
DA OIC-Regional Executive Director Cameron Odsey assured that his office will continue to arrange for the transport of vegetables from various farmers’ groups in Benguet to DA-organized Kadiwa ni Ani at Kita stores in Metro Manila.
The agency’s assistance in transporting vegetables to Metro Manila will also continue in coordination with LGUs and the DA-AMAS.
In Baguio City, the Kadiwa on Wheels kicked off April 4 at the Bayan Park covered court.
The Cacadcadaan Multipurpose Cooperative of Balili, Manakyan, Benguet which was among those who led the activity.
Cacadcadaan MPC manager Brent Pasian said the department aimed to help their farmer members have opportunity to market their products directly to consumers.
Assorted fresh vegetables, fruits, and other agricultural crops were sold to the residents of the 13 barangays of Aurora Hill at reasonable prices.
“Residents don’t need to go to the market to buy goods because this initiative makes them closer to buy their needs,” said Bayan Park Punong Barangay Melvin Jose Cortes. – Press release
