The two-day Kadiwa ng Pangulo (KNP) in Antique will provide a venue for market matching and linkage activities, connecting local producers directly with buyers and helping lower the prices of goods for consumers, according to the Office of the Provincial Agriculturist (OPA).

KNP is one of the activities in line with the Independence Day celebration on Friday.

On June 11, the 40 exhibitors will have an opportunity to pitch their products to potential buyers, OPA Agri-Business and Marketing coordinator Betty Baldevia said.

“The market matching and linkage activity will be an avenue for the sellers or local producers to meet their potential buyers and expand their market,” Baldevia said in an interview on Monday.

Through this activity, potential buyers could get direct contact or place their orders with the producers, thus eliminating middlemen.

“The flow of products will be directly from the farm or producers to the consumers, resulting in a reduced price of goods,” Baldevia said.

She said they have invited buyers who are hotel and restaurant operators, souvenir shop owners, caterers and other traders for the activity.

Local products such as rice, vegetables, fruits, processed food and non-food items would be sold at prices that are 5 percent to 15 percent cheaper than the market.

Baldevia said the 40 exhibitors are also beneficiaries of the Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers (TUPAD) program of the Department of Labor and Employment.

“They will be receiving PHP513 per day wage each as their additional income,” Baldevia said. (PNA)