SAN FERNANDO CITY, La Union (PIA) —The provincial government of La Union, through its Office of the Provincial Agriculture (OPAg), with the support of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and the Department of Agriculture (DA), rolled out its localized Kadiwa ng Pangulo (KNP) at the Mabanag Grounds, here on February 2.

The program, which connects local farmers and small businesses with consumers, is aimed at addressing food price hikes and ensure food security in the province. 

A total of 13 exhibitors from the local government units participated  in the event, showcasing and selling their agricultural and fishery products.

These exhibitors offered a wide variety of products from processed food and other agri-based food products. 

The National Food Authority (NFA) and the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) were also present to sell quality rice and fresh fish.

In her message, Gemma Macusi, Community Affairs Officer of OPAg, said the office commits to support farmers and fisherfolk in terms of production needs, inputs, marketing, and processing of their goods in the province. 

“Napakalaki po ng impact ng programang ito kasi na-i-improve at na-i-istrengthen yung linkages ng agriculture sector at nakakapag-contribute sa overall growth and development ng ating probinsyang La Union,” Macusi said. 

She also underscored that KNP is aligned with the province's vision to be the Heart of Agri-Tourism in Northern Luzon by 2025.

Meanwhile, Rodel Esperon, a honeybee seller, expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to display the local products of Bacnotan town.

“Napakasaya ko po dahil malaking tulong po ito sa aming pamilya…dagdag kita at pangkabuhayan po ito,” said Esperon.

The Kadiwa ng Pangulo (KNP) is one of the programs of President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr that seeks to address global inflation affecting people locally.

The project is already being implemented in the local government units, where KNP market days are set on the 15th and 30th days of each month. (JCR/MJTAB/KJCR, PIA La Union)