More local producers in Iloilo conveyed their utmost gratitude with the implementation of KADIWA ng Pangulo, anchored on the food security agenda of the national government.
The Dumangas-Barotac Mushroom Growers and Processors, which has been joining KADIWA since 2019, saw the huge benefit in terms of income generation and uplifting the lives of its members.
Association president Rizalyn Loloy narrated the opportunity to sell a wide array of mushroom products through the KADIWA program held during the recent Labor Day celebration.
“Ang mushroom isa man ka alternative sa pagpangoma kag may ara siya whole-year round nga income i-compare mo sa iban nga commodity. Ini ya adlaw adlaw, naga-income ka gid. Dako gid ang bulig sang KADIWA para sa mga mushroom growers, MSME producers, and local producers,” Rizalyn said in an interview.
(Mushroom is considered as an alternative to farming as it bears a whole-year round of income compared to other commodities. You are guaranteed to have an income everyday. KADIWA is a big help for us mushroom growers, MSME producers, and local producers)
With eight years of experience in growing mushrooms, Rizalyn noted the demand of mushroom, hence, the market potential.
Meanwhile, De Paul Budbud Seasalt Manufacturing owner Lorlie Noblezada banked on the different assistance of government agencies in reviving the dying sea salt industry.
Lorlie is known as the ‘asindera’ of Miagao town who devoted her time in the traditional making of sea salt.
She emphasized the importance of building a robust linkage with government agencies such as University of the Philippines Visayas, Department of Trade and Industry DTI, Department of Science and Technology (DOST), Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR), and the local government unit of Miagao.
“Kailangan mo talagang maki-connect sa government para malaman nila kung ano ang kailangan mo at paano ka nila matutulungan at saka magkaroon ng mga trainings at workshops para mag-level up po kayo,” Lorlie shared.
(You need to connect with the government so they would know what you need and how they can be of help then comes the trainings, workshops for you to take it to another level.)
The collaboration with government agencies likewise paved the way for the participation of De Paul Budbud Seasalt Manufacturing to trade fairs and expo just like the KADIWA program.
Life lessons, too, were reflected in joining KADIWA. Such is the case of Benjie Basco, an agriculture student of Iloilo Science and Technology University (ISATU) who sold crispy kangkong and other agricultural products.
“Being an agriculture student, ang nabulig sa akon sang KADIWA is na-learn ko how to market the product and na-learn ko man ang demand kang market, kun ano ang dapat itanom kang mga farmers kag ano ang dapat obrahon kang kapwa ko nga agriculture (student), ” Benjie disclosed.
(Being an agriculture student, KADIWA has helped me to learn how to market my product and I have also learned the demand of the market, what needs to be planted by the farmers, and what are we going to do as agriculture students)
It was in 2021 when Benjie became an awardee of Western Visayas Young Farmers Challenge First Batch initiated by the Department of Agriculture. This recognition came at the right time as he was eager to help his parents. He was awarded a financial grant and trainings to craft a business proposal for his integrated farm.
“Ako isa ka anak sang farmer kag fisherfolk. Nakita ko gid ang kabudlay sang akon ginikanan kag gusto ko gid ma-improve ang source of living.”
(I am the son of a farmer and fisherfolk. I have seen the hardships of my parents that is why I want to improve our source of living.)
Benjie is still learning the ropes, particularly in the field of integrated farming. Through dedication and working smart, soon he will reap the fruits of his labor.
The KADIWA ng Pangulo program, which is strongly supported by President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr., continues to make waves, leading to opportunities and honing innovative approaches in agriculture and marketing.
In Iloilo province, KADIWA sites were established even in academic institutions, expanding market prospects, creating more livelihood, alleviating poverty, and ensuring food security for all.
And for every purchase at KADIWA stores, this translates to strengthened local economy and countless support for farmers, fisherfolk, and young agripreneurs. (AAL/LMLE/PIA-ILOILO)
