BAGUIO CITY – The Department of Agriculture-Cordillera (DA-CAR) through its KADIWA on Wheels activities has marketed 16,996.50 kilograms (kgs) of highland vegetables, mostly cabbages, valued at PhP206,970.00 from August 1 to 5, 2024.
This strengthened efforts of the agency aims to assist vegetable farmers whose products, particularly cabbage, were not disposed of immediately at the vegetable trading centers in La Trinidad, Benguet.
The DA-CAR Agribusiness and Marketing Assistance Division (AMAD) reported that, after the recent typhoon Carina, the cabbage wholesale average price decreased from PhP5-18 (first class) and PhP3-8 (second class) to PhP5-12 (first class) and PhP2-6 (second class) per kilo, many of which were left unsold. Hence, the KADIWA was mobilized to reach out to possible buyers within the city and its nearby municipalities.
Bulk of cabbage produce was linked to regional line agencies and government offices in Baguio City and La Trinidad, Benguet. Some were also marketed in Sablan, Pangasinan, and Region 3. The agency continues to coordinate with various agri-stakeholders and DA counterparts in other regions to facilitate the marketing of produce. Since August 1, the DA-CAR has assisted at least 11 farmers from Benguet and Bauko, Mountain Province who brought their cabbage products to the trading centers in La Trinidad.
The DA-CAR extends its gratitude to all partners in the government and all the private consumers for patronizing the cabbages.
“We continue to advocate for “no food waste” even as we are challenged after typhoon Carina. I thank our colleagues from DA Regions 3, 5 and 4B, and the CARE member-offices who continue to heed the call for support at this challenging times,” expressed DA-CAR Regional Executive Director Atty. Jennilyn M. Dawayan.
“We will encourage our farmers’ cooperatives and associations to do direct marketing of vegetables as market facilitators within and outside the region with the assistance of the DA-CAR AMAD,” added AMAD OIC-Chief Jocelyn Beray as a way forward.
Market facilitation for cabbage continues through the collaborative efforts of the DA-CAR, Benguet provincial government, and private sectors operating in the BAPTC until the price and trading stabilizes. By Janice B. Agrifino
