MALASIQUI, Pangasinan – The “Kadiwa on Wheels” program has generated some PHP14-million in sales for Pangasinan farmers and fisherfolk groups, and micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) since September 2022.
Data from the Office of the Provincial Agriculturist as of Tuesday showed 58 Kadiwa activities were initiated by the provincial government for nearly two years now.
Kadiwa is the government program under the Department of Agriculture that serves as venue for sellers to directly bring their produce or food products to consumers without the need for intermediaries.
“The project seeks to empower the farming communities by providing direct and effective farm-to-consumer food supply chain,” according to a statement by the provincial agriculturist office.
“It also aims to promote and provide market opportunity to farmers; fisherfolk, cooperatives, and associations; and MSMEs for their farm produce and agri-based products and provide quality and low-cost basic commodities to consumers.”
Among the products being sold in Kadiwa on Wheels events are dried fish, locally made cacao chocolates, processed meats and fish, fresh fruits such as mangoes and dragon fruit, and low-priced rice.
Minnie Alcaide of Binmaley town said pricing at Kadiwa on Wheels is competitive and there are lots of products to choose from.
“I get to enjoy Pangasinan products through the Kadiwa on Wheels. Products are also fresh and high-quality but not very costly,” Lorenzo Austria Jr. of Malasiqui said in an interview. (PNA)