DA recognizes hard work, sacrifices of Kadiwa partners
THE Department of Agriculture gave recognition to the sacrifice and hard work of long-time partners of its Kadiwa Program, who remained committed in supporting the government’s efforts to supply affordable, fresh and nutritious food.
DA Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel, Jr., also said that it imperative to recognize the valuable contributions of local government units (LGUs) that continue to provide regular market hubs for the produce of local farmers and fishermen.
Laurel added that the Kadiwa program has also established a strong, well-ordered collaboration with the national government, LGUs, and the communities they serve asidenfrom providing food producers a year-round market for their harvest at no extra cost.
“Today, we acknowledge the outstanding partnership and participation of the local governments of Quezon City, Las Piñas, Parañaque, and Muntinlupa City in the KADIWA Program,” Laurel said.
He said the word ‘kadiwa’ implies a partnership with like-minded people.
Laurel further said that the LGUs have been generous and always ready to provide services to consumers, especially during the COVID 19 quarantines and lockdowns.
“The Kadiwa centers and the people that man them ensured adequate public access to food in many areas hard-hit by COVID 19, and risked their own health and safety by performing their duties at the height of the pandemic,” Laurel said.
DA Assistant Secretary for Consumer Affairs Genevieve Velicaria-Guevarra, meanwhile, said the DA, through the Agribusiness and Marketing Service, has spearheaded over 1,887 Kadiwa selling activities in Metro Manila since January.
“These provided 1,887 opportunities for Filipinos to access fresh, affordable, and delightful agri-fishery products directly from the hands of those who cultivated them: our dedicated farmers and fisherfolk,” she said.
The Kadiwa program is one of the flagship initiatives of the national government to ensure availability of sufficient food in all areas all the time. It is a marketing strategy which benefits both food producers, who may avail of free trading space for their produce, and consumers, who can purchase quality and nutritious food at low cost.
