The local government here on Tuesday said it has institutionalized the conduct of “Kadiwa ng Pangulo” trade fair through an ordinance passed by the municipal council and approved by the mayor on May 19.

Nida Organo, municipal agriculture officer of this capital town, said the Kadiwa is locally called “Pandaho-an shi La Trinidad”, which is an Ibaloi translation referring to selling in this capital town of Benguet.

She said that starting May 20, the trade fair will be held every day until the end of this month, at the municipal gymnasium beside the town hall. However, from June onwards, it will be held on the last two days of the month, she added.

“This is a program promoting our local products from the farmers, organic producers, and the food processors,” Organo said.

She said they are also accepting products from other parts of the region, such as mangoes from Abra and rice from Apayao, with the help of the Department of Agriculture-Cordillera.

“We are looking for a permanent space for the pandahoan so that we can also encourage our urban farmers to bring their produce even if they are in small quantities,” she added.

Organo further said the town’s Kadiwa is being held separately from that of the provincial government at the Capitol every middle of the month.

Meanwhile, La Trinidad Mayor Romeo Salda said the Kadiwa here this May is also “part of the celebration of the Farmers and Fisherfolk’s Month.” (PNA)