Baguio city: The Department of Agriculture in the Cordillera Administrative Region (DA-CAR) reported the successful transportation and sale of 27.89 tons of highland vegetables from local farms. This initiative, facilitated by the department's linkage efforts, aims to provide consumers with access to affordable produce.
According to Philippines News Agency, DA-CAR Director Jennilyn Dawayan highlighted the role of Kadiwa trucks in preventing farmers' commodities from rotting and potential financial losses. The trucks, alongside linkage activities with other DA regional offices and national government agencies, have proved instrumental in helping farmers manage oversupply.
From March 2 to April 11, 27.89 tons of assorted highland vegetables were transported from Cordillera farms to various regional destinations, including the towns of Bauko and Bontoc in Mountain Province, several municipalities in Abra, Tabuk City in Kalinga, and several locations in Benguet. The produce also reached areas outside Cordillera, such as San Fernando City in Pampanga, Lipa City in Batangas, Zambales province, and the DA central office in Quezon City. The transported commodities included potatoes, cabbage, assorted highland vegetables, rice, beans, and wombok.
From April 14 to 27, additional Kadiwa ng Pangulo events are planned, utilizing Kadiwa trucks to transport approximately 44 tons of assorted vegetables to locations such as Pudtol, Luna, and Flora in Apayao, other parts of Abra province, Barangay Bulanao in Tabuk City, Santiago City in Isabela, Cavite province, Cubao in Quezon City, World Trade Center in Pasay City, and the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas in Manila.
Director Dawayan emphasized their continued efforts to connect farmers with buyers to prevent waste due to transportation costs. While the central office addresses the provision of fuel assistance, the use of Kadiwa trucks remains pivotal in supporting farmers.
In a related advisory, the La Trinidad Municipal Agriculture Office encouraged farmers facing challenges in selling their produce to contact the office for assistance.
