TAGBILARAN CITY, Bohol (PIA) -- The Kadiwa ng Pangulo rolled out in Bohol this month with 123 total exhibitors who sold quality goods at affordable prices for Boholanos and tourists at the old Tagbilaran City Airport. 

The three-day fair featured 53 agri producers, 24 One Town-One Product (OTOP) handicraft products, and 46 food and refreshments stalls. 

Unlike in other areas where the Kadiwa agri fairs are held for one day only, Bohol opted to hold it for three days and will be done every 15th and 30th of the month, said Provincial Administrator Aster Caberte. 

This will allow farmers from remote agricultural communities and the micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) to have a longer time to sell their products directly to consumers, save on transportation costs and logistics, as well as establish linkages with government agencies for product enhancement and development. 

“At the end of the day, it is our aspiration that farmers get mataas na kita (higher sales),” said Caberte, who used to be an undersecretary of the Department of Trade and Industry. 

She added that the provincial government hopes to further boost the agricultural sector to drive up food production in the province. 

“As government enablers, we do not stop to inspire them to continue food production by providing market linkages for our marginal farmers and fisherfolks who have been deprived of a good marketing platform to sell their products,” Caberte said.

More exposure for local products

“OK gyud kaayo, makatabang kaayo namo paghatag og maayong exposure sa amo’ng products,” said Cecilia Oroc, a pastry baker who sold tinapay (bread) as well as cookies during the agri fair. 

(The extended Kadiwa will really help give more exposure to our products.)

On the second day of Kadiwa, the DTI product enhancement team offered to provide technical assistance to Oroc  for the improvement of her product labels.

The DTI team also plans to provide her with an electric dryer that would allow Oroc to continue production even during bad weather. 

Oroc revealed that she is the last baker in her family as baking has not been profitable lately, especially with the challenges of getting her products into the tourism market. 

The Kadiwa program is a farm-to-consumer market chain that eliminates intermediaries, allowing local producers to generate a higher income by selling their produce directly to consumers.

It also provides an ideal venue for local MSMEs to market their products by eliminating unnecessary layers resulting in higher earnings from producers. 

Consumers also gain access to fresh fruits, vegetables, rice, fish, processed food, and handicraft products at low prices. 

Gov. Erico Aristotle Aumentado described the Kadiwa as “a smart response to soaring prices and a sustainable drive for food sufficiency and agri development.” 

“Our ambition here is not just spot sales, but negotiated sales and booked orders for our farmers,” said Caberte. 

The provincial government has also invited bulk buyers from the Bohol Association of Hotels, Resorts and Restaurants and the local chambers of commerce and industry to engage with the vendors at the Kadiwa. 

Caberte said this will allow the association members to meet with the local producers so they can tap fresh local supply in their businesses. (RAHC/PIA7 Bohol)