Various farmers’ associations here have earned about PHP694,406 from the “Kadiwa on Wheels” initiative launched since the start of the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) lockdowns in March until April 30 this year.
In a statement on Tuesday, the Department of Agriculture (DA) 13 (Caraga region) said the operations of mobile markets did not only benefit the farmers’ groups but also residents affected by the movement restrictions as part of the community quarantine to contain Covid-19.
“Through the Kadiwa mobile market, the consumers are given an opportunity to buy fresh fruits and vegetables, fish and other fishery products, fresh and frozen meat and poultry products, as well as some dry goods, right at the premises of their barangays,” it said.
The DA-13 noted that farmers, fishers, and other suppliers of goods were also assured of a market for their products and continued to earn income despite the implementation of the community quarantine in Butuan City, which limited the mobility of the people and businesses.
As of Tuesday, the agency said the “Kadiwa on Wheels” has already covered 13 barangays here.
Agusan Pequeño barangay captain Larry Abuzo said the “Kadiwa on Wheels” has been helpful to their residents who “no longer need to go out of the village to buy food and other basic needs.”
For Barangay Pangabugan resident Nida de Castro Chen, the cheaper prices at the mobile markets have been a godsend for her family.
“I was able to buy some fish at a low price. This is a very good program because now, we don’t have to go far to buy our basic needs, so there is less risk of being exposed to Covid-19,” Chen was quoted as saying.
Meanwhile, DA-13 said it would continue its “Kadiwa Direct Selling” initiative, which is open every 15th and 30th of the month at the DA regional office grounds here.
Residents who hold quarantine passes can visit the direct selling on designated dates to buy fresh fruits, vegetables, fish, and other basic needs, the DA-13 said. (PNA)
