Davao: The Department of Agriculture in Davao Region (DA-11) announced that five project recipients were awarded a cumulative total of PHP21.7 million under the KADIWA Financial Grant Assistance Program between July 6 and 10.

According to Philippines News Agency, the financial aid, managed by the Agribusiness and Marketing Assistance Division (AMAD), was distributed to four groups, each receiving PHP5 million. The City Government of Davao's City Agriculturist's Office secured funds for its vegetable consolidation and marketing enterprise at the Davao Food Terminal Complex. Additionally, the local government unit of Governor Generoso, Davao Oriental, was funded for the setup of a KADIWA consolidation center.

The City Veterinary Office of Island Garden City of Samal (IGACOS) also benefited with PHP5 million allocated for a cold storage and meat transport facility. The Libasan Multipurpose Cooperative received a similar amount to enhance its rice trading enterprise, which includes a KADIWA store, delivery vehicle, retail equipment, and additional working capital.

Furthermore, the Upper Sinayawan Farmer Irrigators Association Inc. in Hagonoy, Davao del Sur, was granted PHP1.7 million for its palay trading and hauling enterprise, facilitated by the provision of a KADIWA delivery and transport vehicle.

DA-11 Regional Director Macario Gonzaga stated that the grants are intended to strengthen KADIWA enterprises by enhancing infrastructure and logistics support, thus providing better market opportunities for farmers. He emphasized that these efforts are anticipated to improve agricultural consolidation and marketing, facilitate the movement of farm produce from production areas to markets, and contribute to a more resilient and sustainable agri-food value chain.