Davao: The National Irrigation Administration in Davao Region (NIA-11) announced Monday that the annual "PalitAni sa Onse" will take place at its regional office here from Aug. 18-19. In a public advisory on Monday, the agency said Dabawenyos can purchase fresh produce and products directly from farmer-beneficiaries across the provinces of the Davao Region.

According to Philippines News Agency, "affordable, fresh products will be available. With this, we can also support our local farmers," NIA-11 said. The "PalitAni sa Onse" program supports the Kadiwa sa NIA initiative, which aims to strengthen market linkages for irrigation associations and expand consumer reach.

The event will showcase quality products from partner irrigators' associations across the five provinces of Region 11, highlighting the region's agricultural bounty while sustaining farming livelihoods. It serves as the local implementation of NIA's "Kadiwa" initiative under the Enhanced Partnership Against Hunger and Poverty (EPAHP) program.

Now in its fourth year, the activity draws inspiration from the traditional tabo-an or community marketplace, providing farmers and irrigators' associations a platform to directly market fresh produce, processed food, handicrafts, and poultry products at affordable prices. Representatives from irrigators' associations across the region are expected to participate, with NIA-11 noting that "their stories reflect how irrigation, convergence initiatives, and community partnerships have contributed to improving agricultural productivity and livelihoods in their respective communities."