LAOAG CITY, Ilocos Norte (PIA) – To bring more affordable and low-priced agriculture and fishery products in the Department of Agriculture’s (DA) Kadiwa ng Pangulo caravan on July 17 at the Provincial Capitol grounds in Laoag City.

Held simultaneously nationwide, the Kadiwa ng Pangulo aims to help farmers and fisherfolks to expand and market their products directly to the consumers in a cheaper price.

In partnership with the Provincial Government of Ilocos Norte, this is a collaborative project of eight government agencies namely DA and its attached agencies, Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), National Food Authority (NFA), and the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR).

About 34 farmers groups, small and medium enterprises, and other local entrepreneurs joined in the said caravan.

Agri-fishery products ranging from rice, oil, fruits and vegetables, grocery items, handicrafts, and other goods are displayed in the Capitol grounds.

In an interview, Daylin Pascual from Barangay 56 Bacsil North, Laoag City, said she is thankful for the Kadiwa sa Pangulo caravan as she is given an avenue to market her agricultural products such as eggplants, ampalaya leaves, and ripe bananas.

“Masaya ako na nabigyan kami ng ganitong pagkakataon na makapagtinda kami at maipakita namin sa mga mamimili yung mga produkto namin. Organic itong mga produkto namin at abot kaya sa bulsa ang mga presyo,” said Pascual.

Rachelle Lagmay, a resident and consumer from Laoag City, is happy for the products she was able to purchase at a lower price, compared to the prices on normal market days.

“Nagpapasalamat ako sa Kadiwa ng Pangulo dahil marami akong nabiling mga produkto sa mas mababang halaga. Sana ay mas marami pang kadiwa sa susunod na araw,” ssaid Lagmay.

As remarked by Vice Governor Cecilia Araneta-Marcos, she told residents and buyers to “enjoy shopping” and take advantage of the Kadiwa ng Pangulo, which is a project initiative by the late president Ferdinand E. Marcos Sr. and former First Lady Imelda Marcos, and was continued by their son, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. (JCR/MJTAB PIA Ilocos Norte)