The city government has launched a Kadiwa ng Pangulo (KNP) center to help small farmers here sell their products directly to consumers.

The dedicated marketplace was launched Sunday at the Bacolod City Government Center grounds, showcasing the produce of the Bacolod City Integrated Small Farmers Federation and its 16 associations and small-scale enterprises.

In a statement on Monday, Mayor Alfredo Abelardo Benitez said the KNP Sunday Market will be held weekly from 6 a.m. to 10 a.m. to boost local agriculture.

“Let’s support our local farmers and producers. This also helps ensure that our products are clean healthy. These would be available whole-year-round,” he said.

During the launching, a variety of fresh and locally-produced agricultural products were offered, including seafood, seasonal fruits, vegetables, plants and succulents, herbs, native delicacies and brewed coffee, among others.

The participating farmers and producers included the Highly-Urbanized City Agricultural and Fishery Council, Adiangawan Small Farmers Association, Bacolod City Ornamental Growers Association/Garden Clubs, Bacolod City Mushroom Producers and Processors Association, Twenty Six Herb Garden, Barangay 1, Senior Citizens of Purok San Dionisio in Barangay Granada, and beneficiaries of LAB for All Egg Laying Project.

The KNP is a market linkage facilitation program that enables farmers to sell directly to consumers, removing market layers to make agri-fishery products and other basic commodities accessible and affordable.

It seeks to establish additional markets for farmers and fisherfolk to increase their income.

The city government collaborated with the Departments of Agriculture, Trade and Industry, Labor and Employment, Interior and Local Government, and Social Welfare and Development, as well as the National Food Authority in establishing the Kadiwa center. (PNA)