ILOILO CITY (PIA) - - Various fresh and affordable produce and products in Iloilo are made accessible at the ongoing KADIWA (Katuwang sa Diwa at Gawa Para sa Masaganang Ani at Mataas Na Kita) ng Pangulo (KNP) being held at the Provincial Capitol Grounds until Friday, July 21.

A total of 28 exhibitors joined the KNP which was launched on July 17 attended by Governor Arthur Defensor, Jr., Provincial Director Carmelo Orbista of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) and other provincial government officials.

Bobby Tribo, Business Manager of the Tubungan Vegetable Producer Association said the KNP is a big help to farmers, especially to small farmers, because they are given an opportunity to consolidate their products, link with other exhibitors, and increase their sales.

“Yong mga products namin na-expose dito at may mga consolidator din at mga processor nag-ask din kung gusto namin magbigay sa kanila ng aming produkto. Nag-inquire kung pwede kami makabigay ng volume orders,” said Tribo.

The association displayed fruits, vegetables and products of the rural improvement club and women’s club from the municipality of Tubungan.

On the first day, Tribo said they were able to earn P16,000 in sales.

KNP is a market linkage facilitation program enabling farmers to sell directly to consumers and removing market layers, making agri-fishery products accessible at affordable prices and establishing additional markets for smallholder farmers and/or farmer cooperatives.    

With the collaboration of national government agencies like Department of Trade and Industry, Department of Labor and Employment, Department of Social Welfare and Development, Local Government Units and others focused also to provide a market for small business enterprises selling produced and basic necessities.

No less than President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. witnessed the signing of the memorandum of agreement on the establishment of KADIWA ng Pangulo in local government units. The MOA institutionalizes the establishment of the KNP in LGUs and commits to sustain the program to ensure food security, reinvigorate job creation and accelerate poverty reduction in the country. (AAL/LAF/PIA6-Iloilo)