NORTHERN Mindanao Agriculture department (DA-10) and the Army's 4th Infantry Division (4ID) on Tuesday launched inside Camp Evangelista a “Kadiwa” project where fruits, vegetables, and meat products are sold at low prices.
The project, Tienda/Kadiwa outlet para sa mga Bayani, is originally implemented by the DA through "Katuwang sa Diwa at Gawa para sa Masaganang Ani at Mataas na Kita (Kadiwa)."
The opening of farmers' market inside the camp will directly link farmer-producers and suppliers, said in a statement Thursday.
DA-10 regional executive director Carlene C. Collado in a simple rite, turned over the outlet to 4ID asst. commander Col. Michele B Anayron, Jr. on behalf of 4ID commander Maj. General Andres Centino.
The outlet worth P500,000 has an area of 20 square meters with its components such as, building at P280,000; equipment (P170,000 composed of freezer, chiller, weighing scale, and cash register); and a capital of P50,000 funded by the DA.
Kadiwa aimed to establish and create an alternative market outlet for farmers, especially those with lesser access to commercial markets, while providing increased accessibility to affordable fresh, safe, and nutritious farm products to consumers.
“In light of the COVID-19 pandemic, this partnership will give another opportunity for the farmers to become more productive," said Collado.
The partnership with the 4th Infantry Division, Philippine Army, in various undertakings has resulted in the promotion of the welfare of soldiers and their families.
This strategy provides an alternative market outlet for the residents of the 4ID, according to Collado.
He also said, one of the prime projects of the department in response to the declaration of Pres. Duterte, one of DA’s moral obligation is to make food available for every Filipino.
The institutionalization of Tienda/Kadiwa para sa mga Bayani will sustain the benefits derived by armed forces servicemen therefrom in the form of fresh and low-priced farm produce and aqua-marine products.
In Centino's message delivered by Anayron quoting that Tienda para sa mga Bayani is strategically designed to lessen the cases of the soldiers senselessly killed by the NPA rebels.
"A market scheme to provide farmers, fisherfolk and livestock raisers to sell their products directly to the consumers at farm gate price – a win-win partnership on both ends,” reads part of Centino's message.
Agriculture remains the primary backbone of the economy amidst the pandemic, according to Centino.
The Tienda/Kadiwa para sa mga Bayani is open every Friday and Saturday at the 4ID headquarters. (Angie T. Cabig/DA-10)
