MAMBAJAO, Camiguin (PIA)--In a remarkable show of support for the agricultural sector, the Kadiwa ng Pangulo initiative made a resounding impact as it descended upon Bagsakan in Mambajao, here, July 17.

The event proved to be a game-changer, fostering economic growth, promoting sustainable farming practices, and ensuring food security for the province with the participation of local farmers, government officials, Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, Department of Trade and Industry, National Food Authority, Department of Social Welfare and Development, and residents.

"This Kadiwa program is like a double-edged sword, considering that ang makabenepisyo ani, duha. Una ang mga konsyumante, natagaan ta og kahigayonan nga mamili og mga gwapo nga kalidad sa mga produkto, mapresko, ug barato nga mga agri-fishery products, ug ang isa pud sa pinakadako nga natabangan aning programa sa atong halangdong presidente is ang atong mga farmers and fisherfolk kay ang pinakaimportante nga element sa Kadiwa program is ang pag-abolish sa third party," Mambajao Vice Mayor Robert Closas said.

(This Kadiwa program is like a double-edged sword, considering that two people benefit from it. First, as consumers, we have been given the opportunity to choose good-quality, fresh, and cheap agri-fishery products, and one of the biggest people who have been helped by this program of our honorable president is our farmers and fisherfolk because the most important element of the Kadiwa program is the abolition of the third party)

Kadiwa ng Pangulo, an initiative of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., aims to connect farmers and customers directly, cutting out intermediaries and guaranteeing fair prices for all parties. The event in Bagsakan, which gave farmers a place to display their goods, interact with customers, and create a thriving local market, served as evidence of this dedication.

From the crack of dawn, farmers flooded the market square, presenting an array of fresh fruits, vegetables, livestock, fish, and value-added products. The stalls boasted an impressive selection of Camiguin's finest agricultural offerings, including renowned lanzones, pechay, cucumber, wax gourd, eggplant, bell pepper, pineapple, papaya, mango, and more.

Numerous locals attended the Bagsakan fair and bought the fresh, inexpensive agricultural products. They were able to develop a stronger bond with the farming community through this face-to-face engagement, learn about their efforts, and recognize the importance of buying locally produced goods.

"Maayo ang Kadiwa kay makatilaw ta sa mga presyo nga maayo, mga produkto nga gikan sa bukid, farmers makuha nato ang presyo nga pinakaubos. Ang produkto sa uban nga mga tindahan, mahal, ang sa Kadiwa barato, for example, sa rice tag-P25 ra ang ilang per kilo ang sa uban, tag-P40 plus or P50," said Joselito Chan, a consumer from Barangay Naasag, Mambajao.

(Kadiwa is good because we can experience good prices and products that come from the mountains and farmers at the lowest price. The products in other stores are expensive. Kadiwa's products are cheap; for example, their rice is only P25 per kilo, while others are P40 plus or P50)

The Kadiwa ng Pangulo event held at Bagsakan has become a milestone in the province's agricultural landscape. This effort demonstrates the government's dedication to Filipino farmers' welfare and their crucial contribution to the development of the country, Closas added. (RTP/PIA-10/Camiguin)