NorMin agri, fishery FCAs take stage in first KADIWA ng Pangulo Expo
PASAY CITY — Two farmers cooperatives, associations (FCAs) from Northern Mindanao recently showcased local agri-fishery produce during the first-ever KADIWA ng Pangulo (KNP) Expo spearheaded by the Department of Agriculture, on November 26 to 28, at the Philippine International Convention Center, in this city.
Staged for the first time, the KNP Expo highlighted the feats achieved by the government in advancing agri-entrepreneurship and increasing the income of farmers through the KADIWA program, as well as the high-quality agri-fishery products of 65 participating FCAs, micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), KADIWA consolidators, and government agencies from all over the country.
Assisted by the DA-Regional Field Office 10 (DA-10) Agribusiness and Marketing Assistance Division, exhibitors, Miarayon Highland Farmers’ Association from Talakag, Bukidnon, and Fisherfolk of Agusan Aquatic Agriculture Cooperative (FAACO) from Cagayan de Oro City, sold their fresh vegetables and processed fishery products at economical prices throughout the three-day fair.
Aligned with the vision of a ‘Masaganang Bagong Pilipinas’, the KADIWA Program continues to link local producers of agri-fishery commodities and the public, in a bid to enhance access to safe, affordable, and nutritious food for every Filipino.
DA Assistant Secretary for Agribusiness, Marketing, and Consumer Affairs Atty. Genevieve Velicaria-Guevarra, who is also the Overall Lead for the KNP Expo, emphasized the importance of supporting local producers in the shared endeavor for expanding market opportunities for Filipino agripreneurs.
“The KNP Program is not just about helping our farmers; it is about helping the Filipino people. Every time we purchase a product through our KADIWA, we are making a choice to support our farmers to invest in our local economy and to take part in the journey toward a Masaganang Bagong Pilipinas,” Asec. Velicaria-Guevarra said.
Supported by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. through a Memorandum of Agreement signed on July 17, 2023, the KNP is co-implemented by the DA, the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), the Presidential Communications Office (PCO), and the Presidential Management Staff (PMS) as members of the KNP Convergence.
To which, Agriculture Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel Jr. lauded the convergent efforts of the national government in advancing the interests of farmers and fisherfolk through the KNP program.
“The combined expertise and resources of these agencies have been instrumental in the success of the KNP Program and its beneficiaries. Ang Kadiwa ng Pangulo ay isang mahalagang bahagi ng adhikain ng ating Pangulo na palakasin ang sektor ng agrikultura. Sa pamamagitan ng KNP, natutulungan natin ang mga magsasaka na direktang makabenta ng kanilang produkto. At dahil dito, napapataas ang kanilang kita habang natutulungan naman natin ang mga mamimili na magkaroon ng access sa mas mura at masustansiyang pagkain,” Secretary Tiu Laurel Jr. said.# (GDA)