March 29, 2024

BANGUED, Abra – The Department of Agriculture, in partnership with Farmer-Fisherfolk Cooperatives and Associations (FCAs) from the different provinces, brought the “Kadiwa ni Ani at Kita on Wheels” here on March 15 to 17.
Agricultural products such as turmeric, potted plants, cabbage, potatoes, lettuce, rice, honey, dried fish and processed foods such as strawberry jam, chili-garlic oil, coffee, banana bread, banana chips, tea products, noodles, veggie pasta are some of the products sold in Bangued and Villaviciosa.
 Sheena Mauricio of the DA’s Marketing Development Section of Agribusiness and Marketing Assistance Division (AMAD) said their office consolidates the FCAs to take part in the Kadiwa on Wheels bringing them to various provinces to market their produce. 
 The Kadiwa on Wheels aims to empower farmers not only as producers but to become entreprenuers and to bring agricultural products from the farm directly to consumers, she said.
 Mauricio said the program has motivated Ryan Wong, a FCA member who has been joining the DA-initiated program in various provinces.
With his exposure, he was able to put up his own dried fish shop in Baguio City.
In celebration of Women’s Month, DA is going around the Cordillera for the Kadiwa on Wheels.  Its first leg was Ifugao in the first week of March followed by Mountain Province. Agricultural products the FCAs have consolidated in Abra such as muscovado, honey, vegetables and other processed products will be available for their succeeding schedule. – Susan C. Aro