Antique farmers, particularly from the upland areas, are told to consolidate their products with the help of their associations or cooperatives for the “Kadiwa ng Pangulo” program.

The Office of the Provincial Agriculturist (OPA) Agribusiness and Marketing is preparing for the monthly trade fair this year that will commence April 30 to May 4 in San Jose Buenavista, in time for the celebration of Labor Day.

“We target to increase the number of participants to around 60 to 100 farmers, fisherfolk, food processors, and other micro, small and medium enterprises joining the Kadiwa so that more could also be assisted in terms of marketing their products,” OPA Agribusiness and Marketing coordinator Betty Baldevia said in an interview on Wednesday.

Last year, around 35 participants joined their eight Kadiwa trade fairs.

Baldevia said they will provide free transportation to encourage more farmers from upland areas to bring their fresh harvest and other agri-based products to the Kadiwa.

“Through the consolidation of their products, the OPA vehicle could transport it easier with just one pick-up point,” she said.

Baldevia cited the situation in the upland area of the municipality of San Remigio, where a farmer with a sack of corn, rice, or vegetables is charged around PHP1,000 when riding a motorcycle, the only available mode of transportation in the area.

“If they sell their products through the Kadiwa, they could command a higher price and at the same time avail of the five-day emergency employment Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/(Displaced) Workers (TUPAD) program,” Baldevia added.

Under the TUPAD program of the Department of Labor and Employment, they will receive PHP513 per day for their wage. (PNA)