AGRI-STORE. Davao Region Agricultural Cooperative Chairman Bong Cajes (center) shares on May 15, 2020 to officials of the Department of Agriculture in Davao Region how they consolidate farmers' produce to be sold in 'Kadiwa on Wheels'. The initiative has already generated a total of PHP15.3 million after 49 days of operation in at least 32 barangays in Davao City. (Photo courtesy of Agri Info Davao)
DAVAO CITY – Department of Agriculture in Davao Region’s (DA-11) "Kadiwa on Wheels" has generated a total of PHP15.3 million after 49 days of operations in at least 32 barangays in this city.
In a statement on Monday, the Agribusiness and Marketing Assistance Division (AMAD) of DA-11 reported that the PHP15.3 million was based on the sales generated for April and May of PHP7.5 million and PHP7.8 million, respectively.
Ricardo Oñate Jr., DA-11 executive director, lauded the "unrelenting support" of the local barangay units and Task Force Davao (TFD) in ensuring that safety protocols were always implemented in the Kadiwa venues.
“Even if we are already placed in the GCQ [General Community Quarantine] status, we should still be vigilant in implementing the guidelines that are set by the government. The assistance rendered by the local barangay units was crucial for the safety of the consumers,” Oñate added.
He also praised the local officials of Barangay Panacan here for initiating their own Kadiwa which serves as a rolling store that sells and delivers agricultural products at the doorsteps of their covered households.
“The Kadiwa teams have continually expanded its operations within Davao City, at times having five outlets in one day. We have had a total of 104 stops in 32 barangays so far,” said Juvy Pregon, AMAD market specialist.
The "Kadiwa on Wheels" is an initiative in making food products such as rice, meat, vegetables, and fruits accessible to local consumers amid the community quarantine restrictions.
It also aims to provide a viable marketing platform for small farmers and fisherfolk to directly market their products to the consumers, thereby eliminating middlemen. (PNA)
