The Kadiwa ng Pangulo (KNP) officially opened at the old Antique Capitol lobby on Wednesday, gathering 40 exhibitors with an array of new products and designs, hoping to entice more customers.

Hamtic Coconut Farmers Marketing Cooperative audit committee head Donna Gacillos said in addition to fresh coconut juice, coconut, and “bandi” or coconut meat with brown sugar, they also display scented candles and soap.

“We have added value to our coconut products by making scented candles and soap,” she said.

Belison Cooperative Dairy Enterprise assistant processor Helly Mabaga said they are now selling pastillas made of dairy milk, aside from their usual bottled fresh milk.

“We are looking forward to making good sales from our products,” she said.

Irele Mahimpit, the president of the Ramon Magsaysay Bamboo Crafters Association, said that they have come up with new bamboo bags accentuated with“patadyong” (handwoven fabric), making them more trendy. They also have new designs for backpacks and fruit trays.

She said that with the patadyong accent, their bamboo bags become more trendy.

The three-day Kadiwa will usher in the celebration of Labor Day on May 1.

“The KNP is not only buying and selling. It is also empowering communities, promoting local products, and making sure that no worker, no farmer, and no entrepreneur is left behind,” said Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Antique provincial officer-in-charge Virginia Goboy during the opening ceremony.

The exhibitors are provided with PHP550 daily wages under the DOLE Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced (TUPAD) workers program. (PNA)