CALOOCAN CITY, (PIA)—The Department of Agriculture along with other national agencies led the launch of Kadiwa ng Pasko, today in Manila.

The program, which allows farmers and micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) to directly sell their products this Christmas season, is part of the initiative of President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr., who also serves as the Agriculture secretary.

Commodities like fresh fruits, vegetables, sugar and local products like clothes, shoes, bags and many others were sold at a cheaper prices.

In a video message during the launch of the event at Rasac Covered Court in Santa Cruz, Manila, Pres.Marcos thanked the suppliers who participated in the trial run of the project.

"Nais kong batiin ang ating mga seller sa ating Kadiwa ng Pasko na trial run. Maraming maraming salamat at kayo ay nakilahok dito sa aming bagong programa na sana, 'pagka ito ay lumawak at dumami, ay makakatulong sa taumbayan, lalong-lalo na at papasok na tayo ng Pasko (I want to greet the sellers who joined the Kadiwa ng Pasko trial run. Thank you very much for participating in the new program which we want to expand to help our fellow countrymen, especially as Christmas draws near)," Marcos said.

"Kaya't ang tulong ninyo ay napakahalaga. Maraming-maraming salamat sa inyo sa tulong na ibinibigay ninyo sa programa natin para maging matagumpay ang ating pagtulong sa ating kapwa Filipino (That's why your participation is very important. Thank you for supporting the program to help us become successful in helping our fellow Filipinos)," he added.

Kadiwa ng Pasko will be opened on all weekends of November from 5:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. (pia-ncr)