Farmer-producers, cooperatives and associations in Ilocos Norte look forward to joining the Kadiwa ng Pangulo (KNP) pop-up stores held twice a month in various parts of the province as they make more sales during these days as compared to ordinary days.

Adoracion Apostol, a fish vendor representing the Davila Fish Vendors Association in Pasuquin town, said in a media interview Wednesday that her gross sales increased to more than PHP27,000 during the Kadiwa event held at the Ilocos Norte Capitol Bonsai Garden on Oct. 11.

“We are so thankful for the continuous conduct of the Kadiwa ng Pangulo program. We are always sold out every time we join the program, with regular customers looking forward to buy our fresh catch tuna, scads species, and other pelagic species,” she said.

On ordinary days, Apostol said they could hardly earn that much, with some even avail it through credit.

Aside from seafoods, red onions and tomatoes from the cold storage facility being operated by the San Joaquin Multi-purpose Cooperative also make good sales during Kadiwa events.

Through word of mouth, people trooped to Kadiwa pop-up stores as most of the goods sold are relatively cheaper as compared to buying them in the supermarket.

“With an average of 30 exhibitors joining our KNP, our sales report could range more or less PHP300,000 per event,” said Chira Cacatian, agribusiness and marketing coordinator of the Office of the Provincial Agriculture in Ilocos Norte.

From Feb. 8, 2024 to Oct. 11, 2024, Cacatian reported that a total 623 exhibitors were given the chance to showcase their products in Kadiwa events, generating an accumulated sales of over PHP7 million.

Through the KNP, the Marcos administration aims to reinvigorate small-economic drivers and to provide consumers with affordable food and non-food commodities.

“Thank you, Mr. President for initiating this program. More farmers, fisherfolk, micro, small and medium entrepreneurs like us are able to sell our local products and other commodities to sustain our family’s needs. I hope this will be sustained,” said Agnes Asuncion, a seller of assorted vegetables and dragon fruit products from Barangay Pias Sur in Currimao town.

In Batac City, Infenita Puyot, secretary of the Rayuray Farmers Agriculture Cooperative, said brown rice sold at PHP80 per kilo and brown rice krispies are now being patronized by the health conscious buyers because of their active participation and exposure during Kadiwa.

Facilitated by the City Agriculture Office of Batac, the KNP in Batac is set for two consecutive days of every month at the Imelda Cultural Center. (PNA)