The Department of Agriculture (DA) through the Provincial Agriculture Technology Coordinating Office (PATCO) Siquijor has launched the "KADIWA ni Ani at Kita" Program in Siquijor recently with farmers of different commodities parading their produce at the Province of Siquijor Electric Cooperative (PROSIELCO) Solidarity Hall.

In cooperation with the Provincial Agriculture Office, Provincial Veterinary Office, Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, and Philippine Coconut Authority, DA held the activity with Siquijor Gov. Zaldy Villa leading the ribbon-cutting ceremony.

Fish, vegetables, fruits, spices, and other food products like breads, pies, snacks, and drinks were displayed during the activity.

Annie Inguito, a farmer from Ponong, Larena town, echoed the gratitude of the farmers, saying they are thankful for the program. "Naninguha mi nga magpadayun kining programa sa DA aron matabangan mi'g halin sa among mga produkto (We worked hard to continue this program from DA so it can help market our products)," shared Inguito.

DA-7 Regional Executive Director Salvador Diputado said the program is the result of the collective effort between the national and local governments of Siquijor.

"We have successfully created a direct chain that connects food producers to consumers and this will result to a less costly and fresh farm produce to come to the table and gives our farmers a decent income," said Diputado in his virtual message.

Agriculturist II Rodolfo Anulacion and acting officer-in-charge of DA, said the program aims to make goods accessible and affordable to Siquijodnons.

"Kini nga mga produkto naglangkob kini sa mga basic commodities nga ma-uy gikinahanglan natu matag adlaw. Tumong niini nga matabangan ang atong mga mag-uuma ug mangingisda nga ma-ilhan sila sa katawhan kung unsa ang ilang baligya aron sayun na lang kini sa paghalin (These products are the basic commodities that we need everyday. The goal is to help our farmers and fisherfolks sell their produce to the communities)," explained Anulacion.

Villa thanked the department for the said program.

"Kadaghanan sa mga lumulupyo sa Siquijor nagsalig sa panagat ug pang-uma. In behalf sa mga Siquijodnon, mapasalamaton kaayo ako nga aduna'y programa nga ingon ani ang DA. Ato pang padaghanon ang atong vegetables, livestock, and poultry aron dili nata mag-import. Ako mong gi-encourage nga musanong sa atong programa nga backyard gardening aron madugangan pa ang atong mga produkto (Majority of the residents in Siquijor depend on fishing and farming. In behalf of the Siquijodnons, we are thankful that there is a program like this from DA. We should increase our local production of vegetables, livestock, and poultry so that we don't have to import. I encourage you to support our program on backyard gardening so we can add to our products)," added Villa. (rac/PIA7 Siquijor/Mary Jane Suminguit/DA-Siquijor)