DA, LGU opens Kadiwa outlet in Sorsogon

By Benilda Recebido

SORSOGON CITY, Sorsogon --- The Department of Agriculture (DA), in collaboration with the local government, is set to inaugurate a Kadiwa store in the port town of Pilar, Sorsogon.

Scheduled to launch early this year, this farm-to-consumer outlet is a result of the partnership between the DA and the municipal government of Pilar, aimed at accelerating the program’s expansion.

“The program aims to improve the distribution system of agricultural products by shortening the farm-to-market chain and directly linking farmers and fisherfolk to consumers, particularly in high-demand and underserved areas,” said Danilo Ocmer Jr., the chief of Pilar Municipal Agriculture Office.

The Kadiwa market system, which has been successful in other provinces, eliminates middlemen, providing a direct connection between producers and consumers. This approach has led to lower prices for essential household and food items.

“To achieve this, the support of the Farmers Federation Officers and the personnel from the Office of the Municipal Agriculturist is crucial,” Ocmer added.

According to Ocmer, the project was implemented through the DA’s Kadiwa Financial Grant Assistance Program, which allocated a P5-million grant to Pilar.

The grant was utilized to establish the store, provide initial trading capital, procure transport and delivery vehicles, and acquire retail selling equipment, he said.

Additionally, the local government is responsible for supplying the necessary workforce to ensure the project’s successful operation, he added.

Residents have expressed optimism about the project’s potential impact.

Jovelyn Devosora, a resident and entrepreneur, said that the affordable basic goods offered in the Kadiwa store are expected to provide immediate relief to families.

“Beyond lower prices, the program reflects the government’s genuine concern for ordinary citizens like me. It also supports local farmers and small entrepreneurs by providing us with a reliable market,” she added. (Mavic Aringo contributed to this report/PIA Bicol/Sorsogon)