The Office of the Provincial Agriculturist (OPAg) in partnership with national government agencies on Monday launched the Kadiwa ng Pangulo (KNP) to ensure Batangueños have access to quality yet affordable food.

In an interview, Dr. Rodrigo Bautista, Jr., provincial agriculturist, said the KNP’s launch also aims to support Department of Agriculture (DA) programs intended to grow farm-based industries.

Among the department’s goals is to open a ready market for farmers and other micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) focused on agri-business ventures.

“We saw the need for enterprise development in our agricultural products. With our collaboration with the national government, I am very happy because so many people participated,” Bautista said.

The towns of Bauan, Cuenca, Ibaan, Laurel, San Jose, San Juan, San Pascual, Rosario, and the City of Lipa, among others, participated in the event with their respective local products.

He explained the provincial launch was following the advisory released by the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) for a simultaneous nationwide launching of the KNP.

In addition, the OPAg also conducted its Community Food Market, an activity conducted twice a month, where a variety of goods are lined up including fruits, vegetables and manufactured goods.

“We do this every 15th and 30th of the month here at Regina R. Mandanas Memorial Dream Zone in the capitol compound so that the employees and the public can avail fresh fruits and vegetables at affordable prices, as well as affordable rice, in coordination with the DA and NFA (National Food Authority),” Bautista added.

The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), and DSWD (Department of Social Welfare and Development) also participated in the event.

Bautista said various government agencies are coming together to uplift the economic conditions of the farmers and MSMEs alike.

DOLE representatives were on hand to distribute aid under the government’s Livelihood Assistance for Our Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers (TUPAD) program.

The labor department described TUPAD as a “community-based package of assistance that provides emergency employment for displaced workers, underemployed, and seasonal workers, for a minimum of 10 days, but not to exceed a maximum of 30 days, depending on the nature of work to be performed.”

According to the DOLE, financial assistance will be provided apart from their sales income in the event.

Meanwhile, the basic and prime commodities are under the jurisdiction of the DTI. (PNA)