By Freddie Lazaro
LAOAG CITY, Ilocos Norte -- Ilocos Norte’s "Kadiwa Express" is gaining ground in bringing market access to the remote areas in the province amid the coronavirus disease (COVID 19) pandemic.
KADIWA EXPRESS -- Ilocos Norte Governor Matthew Marcos Manotoc repacks the vegetables that are ready for distribution to residents during the visit of "Kadiwa Express" to the different villages in the province amid the COVID – 19 pandemic. (Provincial Government of Ilocos Norte / MANILA BULLETIN)
Ilocos Norte Governor Matthew Marcos Manotoc said he initiated the continuing conduct of the "Kadiwa Express" to give market support and access to the different towns in the province to affordable basic commodities and farm products in the midst of the community quarantine.
He said the primary target of the market are the far-flung areas and the densely populated barangays in the province.
“Our goal is to reach out to far-flung places. I think successful ito . Masaya ang mga tao na nakakabili ng mas murang produkto. Isa rin itong paraan upang masuportahan ang ating mga magsasaka. We directly connect the consumers to the producers para wala ng middlemen,” Manotoc said.
Imelda Toribio, a resident of Carasi town, is one of the many affected by the imposed quarantine. She doesn't have access to a public market and transportation services.
“We have no public market here. Sometimes we rely on ambulant vendors who come to our place. Also, we are used to buying goods in Solsona, Piddig, or in Laoag City,” she said.
As of May 22, the “Kadiwa Express” has already serviced 42 barangays.
The rolling store will render services on Thursday, May 28 in Barangay Navotas South, Laoag City, and in Barangay Davila, Pasuquin town on May 29.