Philippine Army’s 4th Infantry Division (4ID) has provided opportunities for local farmers in Northern Mindanao to profit more from their produce by opening an alternative market inside its headquarters.

The Department of Agriculture (DA) Region 10 office said in a statement Wednesday the opening of a farmers’ market on Dec. 1 inside 4ID’s Camp Evangelista will directly link farmer-producers and suppliers.

The project, Tienda/Kadiwa para sa mga Bayani, is originally implemented by the DA through “Katuwang sa Diwa at Gawa para sa Masaganang Ani at Mataas na Kita (Kadiwa).”

Active military personnel are not the only potential customers but civilians and retired soldiers and their families, who reside near the camp, as well.

DA-10 regional executive director Carlene C. Collado turned over the Tienda/Kadiwa outlet to Col. Michele B. Anayron Jr., Assistant Division Commander for Retirees Reservist Affairs, on behalf of Maj. Gen. Andres C. Centino, 4ID commander.

The outlet, amounting to PHP500,000 has an area of 20 square meters with the following components: building at PHP280,000; equipment with PHP170,000 composed of freezer, chiller, weighing scale, and cash register; and capital of PHP50,000 funded by the DA.

The Kadiwa program aimed to establish and create an alternative market outlet for farmers, especially those with lesser access to commercial markets, while providing increased accessibility to affordable fresh, safe, and nutritious farm products to consumers, according to the DA.

“In light of the Covid-19 pandemic, this partnership will give another opportunity for the farmers to become more productive,” Collado said.

He added that the partnership with the 4ID, Philippine Army in various undertakings has resulted in the promotion of the welfare of soldiers and their families.

“Tienda para sa mga Bayani is strategically designed to lessen the cases of our soldier senselessly killed by the NPA (New Peoples Army) while at the same time, a market scheme to provide farmers, fisherfolk and livestock raisers to sell their products directly to the consumers at farm gate price — a win-win partnership on both ends,” reads Centino’s message delivered by Anayron, during the launching.

The Tienda/Kadiwa para sa mga Bayani is open every Friday and Saturday at the 4ID headquarters. (PNA)