The government reported substantial sales following President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s launch of the “Kadiwa ng Pangulo” in Cebu City aimed at providing consumers with fresh and affordable products and providing ready market to farmers and producers.

Kadiwa organizers reported a total sales of P931,329.66 in the two-day Kadiwa ng Pangulo in Cebu—P412,799.30 on February 27 and P518,530.36 on February 28.

From November 5 to December 31 last year, Kadiwa activities (Kadiwa Store, Kadiwa Pop-up Store, Kadiwa on Wheels, and Kadiwa ng Pasko) have generated PhP136.14 million in sales nationwide.

The President launched the Kadiwa ng Pangulo in Cebu following the success of the “Kadiwa ng Pasko” during the Christmas season.

In his speech in Cebu, President Marcos was elated over the expansion of the Kadiwa caravan, noting that not only will it help Filipinos cope with the effects of rising food prices but also increase the income of local farmers, fisherfolk and small enterprises.

The Kadiwa program is a farm-to-consumer market chain that eliminates intermediaries, allowing local producers to generate higher income by selling their produce directly to consumers.

President Marcos, who also serves as the Department of Agriculture secretary, earlier vowed to extend the Kadiwa program beyond the Christmas season to continue helping Filipinos amid the rising cost of basic commodities due to inflation.

So far, there are more than 500 Kadiwa stores throughout the country, Marcos said. (PND)