Four local government units (LGUs) are working on ordinances to institutionalize the Katuwang sa Diwa at Gawa para sa Masaganang Ani at Mataas na Kita or Kadiwa ng Pangulo.

The initiative being pushed by the towns of San Remigio, Tobias Fornier, Anini-y, and Bugasong aims to give farmers, fisherfolk, and micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) direct market access.

Betty Baldevia, Agri-Business and Marketing Coordinator of the Office of the Provincial Agriculturist (OPA), said Wednesday that Kadiwa eliminates middlemen, allowing sellers to earn more by offering products at farmgate prices.

“The LGUs found the Kadiwa effective in helping their farmers, fisher folks and MSMEs be able to sell their produce without going through the middlemen, anymore,” she said.

She added that farmers, fisherfolks and MSMEs can earn more by selling their produce at farmgate prices during the Kadiwa or trade fair.

With the provincial board approving a provincial ordinance for Kadiwa on Feb. 17, OPA plans to coordinate with LGUs to hold monthly trade fairs across municipalities to boost local product sales.

“We plan to hold the monthly Kadiwa in the various municipalities to help promote and sell the products of the farmers, fisher folks and MSMEs,” she said.

A meeting with the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) and other agencies on March 4 will determine the venues for this year’s Kadiwa events.

Participants may also qualify for DOLE’s Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged Workers (TUPAD) program, receiving a PHP480 daily wage during the trade fair.

In 2024, eight Kadiwa trade fairs generated PHP1.4 million in sales, benefiting farmers, fisherfolk, and MSMEs. (PNA)