The twice-monthly Kadiwa ng Pangulo (KNP) Merkado Lokal has generated about PHP7.4 million in gross sales from January to August, benefiting farmers, fisherfolk, young entrepreneurs, and micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in the city.

The two-day market, held Aug. 26-27, generated nearly PHP500,000 in sales and coincided with the third anniversary of the city government’s institutionalization of the KNP Merkado Lokal, City Agriculturist Iñigo Garingalao said Thursday.

Garingalao said the market has helped augment the livelihood of farmers by providing them with an additional source of income.

“We have achieved that, and it even expanded,” he said in an interview.

The market expanded its reach beyond agricultural products, providing young farmers and MSMEs a venue to promote and sell their products.

The initiative began five to six years ago as a farmers and fisherfolk bazaar aimed at highlighting the city’s remaining agricultural and fishing areas despite its status as highly urbanized.

It now offers fruits, vegetables, and value-added agricultural products while serving as a venue for the city’s advocacy programs, including tree planting.

Garingalao said the market has also become a platform for knowledge exchange.

In July, the Iloilo City Police Office and Central Philippine University participated in the activity, with the university providing space for lectures for business and agriculture students.

The market also allows participants to earn more by eliminating middlemen.

The city government provides vendors with free space and electricity, Garingalao said. (PNA)