Following the success of the “Kadiwa ng Pasko” during the Christmas season, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Monday launched the “Kadiwa ng Pangulo” in Cebu City to provide consumers with fresh and affordable agricultural and fishery products.
In his speech, President Marcos was elated over the expansion of Kadiwa caravan, noting that it would not only help Filipinos cope with the effects of rising food prices but also increase the income of local farmers, fisherfolk and small enterprises.
“Dati ang nagsimula nito ay ‘yung Kadiwa ng Pasko. Gumawa ng Kadiwa para noong Christmas season. Iyon lamang ay napuna namin ay napaka popular at gustong-gusto ng tao dahil nga naman ay may bilihin na mas mura kaysa sa makukuha sa labas,” the President told the local suppliers and consumers present at the Cebu Provincial Capitol Grounds.
“Kaya’t habang tumagal ang panahon tapos na ang Pasko ay sabi ko dapat naman siguro ay ipatuloy na natin kaya’t naging Kadiwa ng Pangulo na ngayon ay simulan natin dito sa Cebu,” the chief executive added.
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 Department of Agriculture secretary, earlier vowed to extend the Kadiwa program beyond Christmas season to continue to help Filipinos amid the rising cost of basic commodities due to inflation.
The President said there are more than 500 Kadiwa stores throughout the country, adding that the government’s plan to launch Kadiwa para sa Manggagawa will be led by the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE).
“Patuloy po naming gagawin ito, padadamihin natin, palalakihin natin at pararamihin natin mas importante ay paramihin lalo na sa mga lugar na talagang hirap ang tao at hindi pa kaya ang mga presyuhan kung nasa palengke,” President Marcos said.
“Kaya’t ito na ang aming sagot doon sa nagiging krisis dito sa ating pagkain sa ating pagtaas ng presyo,” the President added.
President Marcos also acknowledged the efforts of various government agencies behind the Kadiwa program such as the DOLE, Department of Trade and Industry, Department of the Interior and Local Government, Department of Social Welfare and Development and the local government of Cebu.
At least 50 exhibitors are participating in the two-day Kadiwa caravan where consumers can buy rice at Php25 per kilo, fish and agricultural products, and some of Cebu’s popular delicacies and handicrafts. (PND)
