In a groundbreaking initiative, the provincial government has launched the Kadiwa ng Pangulo, a direct marketing platform poised to revolutionize the agricultural landscape by connecting farmers directly with consumers.
Governor Niño Uy spearheaded the unveiling of this transformative endeavor in a simple ceremony held on Monday, March 11, 2024, heralding a new era of accessibility and empowerment for local producers and small business owners alike.
In his message, Governor Uy underscored the significance of the initiative, affirming that it embodies the core purpose of governance – to provide avenues for the advancement of communities across various sectors.
The Kadiwa program, a flagship initiative of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos, Jr., seeks to establish a seamless farm-to-consumer market chain, eliminating intermediaries or middlemen and enabling local producers to realize higher incomes by directly vending their produce to consumers. This promising program is now being decentralized to local government units, empowering local government units to foster self-sufficiency and economic resilience.
In the province of Davao Oriental, the Kadiwa ng Pangulo will convene bi-monthly at the Provincial Capitol on the first and third Monday of each month, offering a consistent platform for farmers to engage with consumers. Through this initiative, farmers gain unprecedented access to local markets, avoiding the financial strain of extensive transportation costs.
Beyond providing affordable produce, the Kadiwa ng Pangulo also serves as a catalyst for Micro, Small, and Medium-sized Enterprises (MSMEs), facilitating local product promotion and bolstering economic opportunities within communities.
Dr. Edito Sumile, Provincial Agriculturist, hailed the initiative as a pivotal step towards fortifying the food supply chain and galvanizing consumer support for local farmers and businesses. He emphasized its role in driving economic growth and alleviating poverty, echoing the provincial government’s overarching objectives and long-term aspirations.
Partner agencies, including the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), and the Department of Agriculture (DA) as the lead convenor, have pledged their unwavering support for the Kadiwa ng Pangulo program. Their commitment underscores a collaborative effort to foster sustainable development and inclusive prosperity across the region.
In a candid reflection, Governor Uy emphasized the need for balance and sustainability in the initiative.
He expressed gratitude to the organizers and articulated a commitment to ensuring that interventions effectively reach and benefit local farmers. Recognizing the indispensable role of farmers and fisherfolk as the backbone of society, Governor Uy affirmed the initiative’s underlying goal – a genuine desire to uplift and empower those who sustain our communities.
As the Kadiwa ng Pangulo takes root, it symbolizes more than a mere marketplace; it represents a paradigm shift towards equitable economic practices and community-driven development, driven by a shared commitment to the prosperity and well-being of all stakeholders involved. By KLD | Photos by Jeff Masisay
