The Kadiwa ng Pangulo continues to provide residents of Guinobatan, Albay access to affordable agricultural products while supporting farmers in augmenting their income through direct sales. In an interview on Tuesday,

Grace Peano, Guinobatan, municipal agriculturist, said the municipality started the program on May 27, 2025 after adopting Executive Order No. 05, which formalized the Kadiwa market in the town.

Peano explained that the activity takes place on the second and fourth Tuesdays of each month to give local farmers and entrepreneurs a consistent place to sell their products.

“The program encourages our farmers to sell their agricultural products and basic commodities directly to consumers at lower prices. The initiative cuts out middlemen, allowing farmers to earn more while making sure that consumers can buy food and other goods at reasonable prices,” she said.

Peano said participating vendors are required to submit sales reports at each Kadiwa event, which helps the government evaluate the program’s impact on food security and access to affordable food in the area.

Records from the municipal agriculture office show that the Kadiwa market generated nearly PHP900,000 in total sales from May to December last year.

Exhibitors also noted that the program has helped promote their products and expand their customer base.

Liza Gumtang, owner of Gumtang’s Seedling Production, said they grow seedlings and propagate plants using techniques such as grafting, inarching and marcotting to ensure better plant survival.

Besides seedlings, they also process other products to increase their income during slow plant sales.

“Thank you very much for this opportunity to showcase our products and let people know about them. They are the ones who contact us when they need something,” she said.

Another exhibitor, Deo Oira from Magayon Vegetable Cluster Incorporation, expressed hope that the local government will continue supporting the initiative.

“I hope we can sustain what we have in Kadiwa—what we need as farmers, like seeds and bonuses—so that we can keep planting and stay supplied with seeds. The local government unit is providing these, and we sell what we produce, so the outcome of our Kadiwa is positive,” he said.

Peano encouraged farmers and small entrepreneurs to continue supporting the program, highlighting its importance in strengthening local agriculture and securing food for the community. (PNA)