FRESH AND AFFORDABLE. The Office of the Provincial Agriculturist in Laguna joins the launch of “Kadiwa ng Pangulo” at the Time Plaza in the provincial capitol on Monday (July 17, 2023). It was among the 81 provincial initiatives that offered fresh, healthy, and affordable agricultural products to consumers. (Photo courtesy of Laguna-PIO)
STA. CRUZ, Laguna – The Office of the Provincial Agriculturist (OPAg) said the successful launch of “Kadiwa ng Pangulo” (KNP) in Laguna province opened to farmers and agri-business owners the option of directly retailing their produce to the end consumer.
In an interview on Tuesday, Marlon Tobias, head of Field Agricultural Extension Services-Office of the Provincial Agriculturist (FAES-OPAG), said among the five operators who took part in the event, three came from Laguna, and one each from the provinces of Cavite and Batangas.
The KNP-Laguna launch on Monday took place at the provincial capitol’s Time Plaza, where buyers could take their pick of farm-fresh agri-products sold at affordable prices.
“Here in Laguna, we had five Kadiwa operators participating in the sale of raw agricultural products. The Department of Trade and Industry also sold NFA rice at PHP25 per kilo. They have also invited 20 small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). The plan is to do this every month throughout the Philippines,” said Tobias.
Participating SMEs sold a range of agricultural goods from fresh vegetables, pork meat, fruits, National Food Authority rice, as well as other local products made in the towns of Liliw, Pangil, Nagcarlan, Luisiana, and Cavinti.
While the KNP’s launch was a one-day event, Tobias said the “Kadiwa ni Ani at Kita” program would be a continuing multi-agency collaboration.
It was born out of the joint efforts of the Office of the President, Department of Agriculture, Department of Labor and Employment, Department of Trade and Industry, Department of the Interior and Local Government, Department of Social Welfare and Development, Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation, NFA, and various provincial governments.
According to Tobias, KNP’s launch was participated in by 81 provinces and 17 cities and municipalities nationwide. (PNA)
