TANDAG CITY, Surigao del Sur -- Two farmers cooperatives and associations (FCAs) from Surigao del Sur received the Enhanced Kadiwa ni Ani at Kita Inclusive Food Supply Chain Financial Grant for 2023 from the Department of Agriculture (DA) Caraga, through its Agribusiness and Marketing Assistance Division (AMAD) on September 11, 2023. 

Doyos Eastern Coast Fishermen Association (DECFA)  from Doyos, Carrascal, Surigao del Sur received the amount of P800,000. While Maslog Integrated Farmers Association of Maslog in Panikian, Carrascal, Surigao del Sur, as recipient of the P600,000 fiinancial grant.

A total amount of P4,750,000 was released by the DA to the five qualified FCAs in the region, including three more FCAs from other provinces to wit: 

San Antonio Integrated Farmers Multipurpose Cooperative - San Antonio, RTR, Agusan del Norte - P1,500,000;
Bariduha Irrigators Association Inc. - Sampaguita, Veruela, Agusan del Sur - P1,450,000; and 
Hinimbangan Farmers Agrarian Reform Cooperative - Hinambangan, Kitcharao, Agusan del Norte - P400,000.

The  said financial grant will support farmers and fisherfolk groups to become more reliable as food commodity suppliers to customers and help community-based organizations sustainably operate their Kadiwa stores.

The program beneficiaries accordingly can select the type of grant needed for their FCA, including the grant for processing and packaging facilities, market logistics and post-harvest, Kadiwa retail and distribution, and the establishment of a Kadiwa store.

Meanwhile, Engr. Ricardo M. Oñate Jr., regional executive director of DA Caraga; AMAD chief Lynn Pareñas; market specialists Malou Gruyal and Rebecca Amanio galdly handed over the check to the beneficiaries. (Photo credit to: DA-Caraga/NGPB,PIA-Surigao del Sur)