A Cebu-based farmers’ cooperative is set to establish a Kadiwa Center, an expanded version of the Kadiwa ng Pangulo Stores being showcased during agricultural fairs.

Melanie Petalcorin, marketing officer of the Lamac Multi-Purpose Cooperative (LMPC), shared on Monday that the initiative aims to scale up its services by creating a centralized hub that will supply fresh produce to existing Kadiwa stores.

“We are planning to expand from Kadiwa Stores to Kadiwa Center to offer a wide range of products so that more farmers will be assisted. The Kadiwa Center will become the supplier of Kadiwa Stores,” Petalcorin said.

The government’s Kadiwa program, which connects farmers directly with consumers, has been lauded for offering farm-fresh products at affordable prices.

Petalcorin highlighted that the Kadiwa Center will further enhance this initiative, making it easier for farmers to bring their goods directly to consumers without intermediaries.

To support this vision, LMPC partnered with the Department of Agriculture-7 (Central Visayas) and the Philippine Carabao Center-7 to launch a new Kadiwa Store in Barangay Pari-an, Cebu City.

The program reinforced their commitment to President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s “Katuwang sa Diwa at Gawa” program, themed Masaganang Ani at Mataas na Kita (Abundant Harvest and Higher Income).

Apart from the Kadiwa Store, the cooperative also opened the Dairy Box where consumers can buy buffalo milk and other products. (PNA)