By Mike Crismundo
BUTUAN CITY – With the objective to have continuous supply of fresh agriculture products in this time of health crisis, the Department of Agriculture (DA-Caraga Region 13) mobilized its “Kadiwa on Wheels” in the urban and rural barangays here.
The Department of Agriculture’s “Kadiwa on Wheels” displaying various food products at Barangay Pagatpatan, Butuan City while buyers follow the strict protocols of the enhanced community quarantine yesterday. (Photo courtesy of DA 13-PIO via Mike U. Crismundo/Manila Bulletin)
The objective of the project was to bring the market to residents observing the enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) being imposed in this city, and the entire region.
Farmers’ associations, in cooperation with individual entrepreneurs and the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR), have displayed commodities such as fresh vegetables, fruits, dressed chicken, pork cuts, fish, and other food supplies.
The DA’s 13 first “Kadiwa on Wheels” has served three barangays in this city yesterday.
Residents from Barangay Pagatpatan, Agusan Pequeño and Bading were given the opportunity to buy their food needs right at the area where they live.
“We’re glad for this action from the government. Residents here don’t need to buy at the market or grocery stores, because our needs are already brought here,” said Chairperson Larry Abuzo of Barangay Agusan Pequeño.
The Department’s initiative was in support of efforts to curb the spread of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in the country.
“We’re bringing the market here in the barangays so we can help limit the going in and out of the people just to buy food,” said Agribusiness and Marketing Assistance Division Chief Lynn Pareñas.
Pareñas said that the strict implementation of protocols, such as social distancing and wearing of face masks, among buyers at the barangay hall covered court are being followed.
Suppliers of the “Kadiwa on Wheels” were farmer-members of Sumilihon-Taguibo Farmers’ Association (SUTAFA), Lemon Integrated Farmers’ Association, JVV Farms, Andrew’s Dressed Chicken, and Surigao City Fish Buyers Association.
The consolidated gross sales of the suppliers reached a total of P79,440 for the three barangays. “This is also a good way to help our farmer-entrepreneurs have their products sold and still earn despite the pandemic,” said Pareñas.
Meanwhile, DA 13 Regional Executive Director Abel James I. Monteagudo expressed heartfelt gratitude to Caraga farmers group for their humanitarian effort in this time of health crisis, said Ms. Emmylou T. Presilda, regional information officer of DA 13.