Ilocos norte: The Kadiwa ng Pangulo program in Ilocos Norte has achieved PHP6 million in total sales since January this year, sustaining the livelihood of farmer-entrepreneurs while boosting the local economy, an official stated Wednesday. "This program is being conducted by the provincial government every 2nd and 4th week of the month," Chira Cacatian, provincial agribusiness and marketing coordinator of the Office of Provincial Agriculture, told the Philippine News Agency in an interview.
According to Philippines News Agency, Cacatian disclosed that this year's sales figure is lower compared to last year's PHP6,972,254 due to the cancellations caused by tropical cyclones, particularly during the months of June and July. Despite this, the program continues to be a significant platform for local farmers.
"The Kadiwa program is a big help to us farmers. It is something we always look forward to sell our products to a wider market," said Macon Dawey, owner of Dawey Integrated Farm in Barangay Maan-anteng, Solsona. Another farmer-entrepreneur, William Baniaga of Vintar town, mentioned that the program has not only expanded their market reach but has also helped him gain a network of loyal customers and improved his agribusiness skills.
Melda Tumaneng, president of the Mango Growers Association, emphasized that the initiative has enabled them to directly sell their products to consumers and provided them with agri-related trainings, as well as farm machinery and inputs such as fertilizers and seeds to increase their production and income. "We hope that government programs like this will continue for the betterment of the community," she stated.
Kadiwa stores typically offer in-season fruits and lowland vegetables such as squash, tomatoes, eggplant, okra, ampalaya, garlic, and bananas, alongside fish and assorted poultry products. Additionally, condiments like sukang Iloko, fish sauce, cooking oil, and soy sauce, as well as native delicacies and other processed food and non-food products, are regular features, with an average of 30 exhibitors present during a whole-day sale activity.
