CALOOCAN CITY, (PIA) --The Department of Labor and Employment's workers' welfare program augmented the simultaneous grand opening of the “KADIWA sa Pasko 2022” caravan at selected areas in Metro Manila.

DOLE - National Capital Region (DOLE-NCR) mobilized the TUPAD (Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced) workers for labor support to the operation of the KADIWA through clean-up, maintenance, and other possible support services.

According to DOLE-NCR Regional Director, Atty. Sarah Buena S. Mirasol, DOLE has profiled a total of 188 KADIWA sellers and drivers who would like to avail of the TUPAD and facilitate necessary assistance.

Launched and spearheaded by the Department of Agriculture (DA) in 2019, the “Katuwang sa Diwa at Gawa para sa Masaganang Ani at Mataas na Kita” (KADIWA) enables the farming community to sell goods directly to consumers without the trader-intermediaries. This allows for higher profits while still offering consumers quality products at affordable prices.

Said project was further enhanced during the COVID-19 outbreak amid the continuous increase in prices of commodities.

With the government’s continuous efforts towards economic recovery and taking advantage of the holiday season, the DA, together with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), and DOLE launched “KADIWA sa Pasko”, which from November until December this year.

Simultaneous launching ceremonies were also held at other Metro Manila sites, including Valenzuela City Hall; Derham Park, Pasay City; Brgy. Tumana Covered Court, Marikina City; Quezon City Hall; Parañaque City Sports and Social Hall; San Juan City Hall; Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City; Caloocan City Hall; and Makati City Hall. (dole/pia-ncr)