MARKET ON WHEELS. The Kadiwa on Wheels serves residents of Iloilo City on Wednesday (April 2, 2020). The program was rolled out by the Department of Agriculture to link farmers and fisherfolks to their consumers. (Photo from Ang Mangunguma FB Acct)
ILOILO CITY – There is an ongoing discussion with the provincial agriculturists on the possibility of rolling out the KADIWA in Ani at Kita or Kadiwa on Wheels in other provinces of Western Visayas.
“They are currently discussing what was implemented is in Iloilo City and Bacolod City,” said Engr. Remelyn Recoter, regional executive director of the Department of Agriculture Regional Field Unit Western Visayas (DA-RFU 6) in a phone interview on Friday.
She said in Bacolod, private sector Eco-Agri Foundation consolidates the products from farmers. DA has partnered with delivery riders that will bring the goods directly to the consumers.
The products are displayed at the Organic Trading Post near the provincial capitol building and at May’s Garden in Brgy. Pahanocoy in Bacolod City.
In Iloilo City, the Kadiwa on Wheels is supported by various farmers associations in Iloilo province. They have established stations in various districts in Iloilo City and at the Western Visayas Integrated Agricultural Research Center (WESVIARC) in Brgy. Hamungaya, Jaro.
Ariel Lastica, executive director of the Champion Farmers Program (CFP) of Lambunao, said their group was tapped by the Agribusiness and Marketing Assistance Division (AMAD) of DA-RFU 6 to join the program.
CFP makes use of its 1.5-ton truck provided by the DA KOICA (Korea International Cooperation Agency) Panay Local Food Program to deliver around 700 to 900 kilos of varieties of fruit and vegetable to Iloilo City.
“We are sufficient in terms of production. We just need to replenish seeds for the next cycle to sustain our production,” he said in a separate interview.
Meantime, the roll-out of the program in other provinces will depend on the result of the discussion with their counterparts. Recoter said that they have “no resources in the provinces” unlike in the two cities.
She added the provincial and municipal agriculturists must be active and supported by their governors.
She said since it is difficult for farmers to deliver their farm produce, then it is recommended that food supplies for hospitals that are managed by local government units (LGUs) will be purchased from local farmers.
It is suggested that LGUs use vegetables and other farm products as alternate in the food packs they distribute to their constituents.
Recoter said the Kadiwa on Wheels is a big help to farmers, especially those whose clients are outside of the region. It was initiated to link farmers and fisherfolks to target consumers.
She added that they will also be helping mango farmers in Guimaras and onion growers in Miagao, Iloilo.
Due to the cancellation of the Manggahan Festival and the implementation of the enhanced community quarantine, it was reported that they have a hard time disposing of their produce.
Recoter said the products will be included in the Kadiwa or be sent to interested buyers. (PNA)
