The Department of Agriculture (DA) recognized its long-time partners and local government units (LGU) for supporting the successful run of Kadiwa Program this year.

In a statement on Thursday, Dec. 20, Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel, Jr. said that over 1,887 Kadiwa selling activities have been held in Metro Manila throughout 2023.

Laurel said that the DA partners helped deliver the program’s aim of supplying quality food and produce that is affordable for Filipinos.

The LGUs have also provided regular market hubs for local farmers and fishers to sell their goods.

“Today, we acknowledge the outstanding partnership and participation of the local governments of Quezon City, Las Piñas, Parañaque, and Muntinlupa City in the KADIWA Program,” Laurel said.

“The Kadiwa program has established a strong, well-ordered collaboration with the National government, LGUs, and the communities they serve,” he added.

The Kadiwa Program is a marketing strategy that helps food producers obtain free trading space for selling, as well as give consumers low-cost fresh and nutritious food options.

They aim to give out enough food supply in different areas of the country.

Since the Covid-19 pandemic, the agriculture chief noted that the LGUs have been providing generous services to consumers and local suppliers.

“The Kadiwa centers and the people that man them ensured adequate public access to food in many areas hard-hit by COVID-19, and risked their own health and safety by performing their duties at the height of the pandemic,” Laurel said.

Agriculture Assistant Secretary Genevieve Guevarra highlighted the nearly 2,000 agribusiness events that transpired since January this year.

“These has opened [1,887] opportunities for Filipinos to access fresh, affordable, and delightful agri-fishery products directly from the hands of those who cultivated them: our dedicated farmers and fisherfolk,” she said.