KIDAPAWAN CITY, Cotabato Province (PIA) -- The City Government of Kidapawan recently opened the luntian agri-fair zone called ‘Merkado Kidapaweño’ which showcases various products of local farmers from the different barangays of the city.

The LGU designated the Quezon Boulevard area as the location of the agri-fair zone which is also one of the main features of the city's 25th charter anniversary celebration.

“Local farmers and local vendors can display and sell fresh fruits, vegetables, and other products in the agri-fair zone,” said city mayor Atty. Jose Paolo Evangelista.

He added that the ‘Merkado Kidapaweño’ will open an opprtunity for additional source of income and liveihood for small businesses and help consumers save because of the affordbale prices of products on sale.

The project is also one of the initiatives of the city government to support local farmers especially those who were heavily affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.

The luntian agri-fair zone was established by virtue of Executive Order Number 18, series of 2023 or An Order Temporarily Establishing a Luntian Clean and Green Agri-fair Zone in a Portion of Quezon Boulevard, Kidapawan City, Providing for Road Closures in Furtherance Thereof, and Other Related Purposes," which was signed by Evangelista last March 13, 2023. It will be managed by the Office of the City Agriculturist and the Local Economic Development and Investment and Promotion Office.

According to the executive order, the agri-fair zone will be opened every Saturday starting March 18 to July 29 from 6:00 in the morning to 5:00 in the afternoon.

Meanwhile, the city government is asking for the support and understanding of commuters since one lane of the highway near the Development Bank of the Philippines and the Bank of the Philippine Islands, as well as the Barangay Avenue will be closed for the safety of residents who will visit the agri-fair zone. (With reports from CIO-Kidapawan)