The Mountain Province Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP) has passed Provincial Ordinance No. 505, institutionalizing the Kadiwa Program. This initiative establishes the “KADIWA market day” every first Monday of the month.
The establishment of the said ordinance provides a mechanism for product interchange in the province and ensures the availability of quality agricultural products at affordable prices.
Moreover, the program was initiated by the government to cover KADIWA retailing. This allows the farmers and producers to sell their goods directly to consumers at government offices and designated locations chosen by local governments.
Highlighted in Section 1 of Ordinance no. 505, the Mountain Province government recognizes the role of agriculture in nation-building and shall provide support to agriculture through appropriate technology and research and sufficient financial production, marketing, and other support services. This paves the way for the creation of the ordinance.
With the existence of the ordinance, the Provincial Government can establish and maintain a system for the efficient movement of goods by providing a direct linkage between farmers, fishermen, small and medium enterprises (SMEs), and consumers.The designated market days will ensure the supply, availability, and affordability of agricultural products in the province.
Photo courtesy: Hail, Mountain Province
Brenda Tumingeb, a business owner, sees the ordinance as a positive development, “Okay lang day once a month, kasla it goes with the program iti capitol (Once a month is enough, it is like it goes with the program in the capitol).” She mentioned that products are freshly-made which is an advantage for consumers looking for high-quality goods. Likewise, it does not affect the other businesses outside because it is only once a month.
Tumingeb emphasized that it benefits the small producers who do have regular selling spaces. “Dakdakel ladta income dagidtoy ada ti pwesto na kasi everyday nga makalako da. For us, dagidtoy eman kadiwa, it is their chance to market and introduce their products to the public (For those who have a place to sell their products, they still have a bigger income because they can sell everyday. For us, this Kadiwa, it is their chance to market and introduce their products to the public).”
She added that the manufacturers would showcase their products in public. The consumers will inquire about where they can get these products if they are satisfied with them. That is why they look for a place to sell their products for the sustainability and availability of the products; that is the goodness of KADIWA. As for the vegetables, they can be sold, and they are guaranteed to be free from insecticide.
Initially, the KADIWA Program was created due to a lack of supply and shortage of essential commodities. The Department of Agriculture (DA) revived the KADIWA program, which was introduced during the Marcos administration in 1980, empowering the farming community by providing a direct and effective farm-to-consumer food supply chain. By institutionalizing the program through provincial ordinance, the Mountain Province strengthens food security and supports the highland local farmers.
