VIGAN CITY, Ilocos Sur (PIA) — The Kadiwa ng Pangulo (KNP), organized by the Provincial Government of Ilocos Sur, has generated a total sale of ₱537,620 on Aug. 15 at the Provincial Farmers Livelihood Development Center, here.
The KNP is a marketing program led by President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. under the Department of Agriculture (DA) aimed at making agricultural and local products accessible and more affordable for the public.
In his message, Governor Jerry Singson said that this activity will further boost the local economy in the province.
“Let me express my gratitude to all our exhibitors of the Kadiwa for coming once again and marketing your products,” Governor Jerry said.
He also stated that more farmers, fisherfolk, and Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) showcased their products compared to the previous KNP in May which featured 26 exhibitors with a total sale of ₱304,767.
In this leg, 24 of the 42 exhibitors who were from the local government units made ₱265,045 worth of sales.
Meanwhile, nine from the Department of Trade and Industry generated ₱88,605, five from the Department of Agriculture made ₱68,970, while three from the Department of Social Welfare and Development sold products amounting to ₱51,000, and one from the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources generated ₱64,000 sales.
Among these, 14 farmers and fisherfolk associations who sold fresh fruits: banana, dragon fruit, and rambutan, vegetables such as stringbeans, squash, eggplant, okra, and bittermelon, and different fishes boosted an overall sale of ₱229,500.
Rema Lucero of the Organic Practitioners of Ilocos Sur expressed her gratitude to the provincial government for conducting the activity and once again providing the platform for farmers to market their harvest.
She added, “Because the governor continues to support this program to support us, farmers, we are able to offer our products for the right price—lower compared to the market.”
“This Kadiwa is a big help to farmers, we hope that this program continues so we do not have to deal with middlemen ever again,” Lucero said.
Cheryl Felipe, one of the customers, said “I appreciate this activity very much, and I am glad to buy fruits, vegetables, and other cooking needs knowing that this will help our farmers and small business owners.”
Meanwhile, 30 MSMEs also displayed local products namely, Bagnet, Longganisa, Sukang Ilocos, mushroom chips, egg, and condiments, among others.
Aside from KNP, the 9th One Ilocos Sur Job Fair was simultaneously held to provide employment opportunities for jobseekers in the province. (MJTAB/ATV, PIA Ilocos Sur)
