SP mulls to reopen farmers’

market access in “KADIWA”

TAGBILARAN CITY, Bohol, Feb 15 (PIA)—With the increasing popularity of malls and the losing consumer interest in public markets, the Sangguniang Panlalawigan in Bohol is contemplating on bringing back the popularity of public markets with the institutionalization of the KADIWA Ng Pangulo (KNP) Program Para sa Masaganang Bagong Pilipinas.

In fact, the provincial junta agrees with the Office of the Provincial Agriculture (OPA) in the idea that giving a direct producer-to-consumer venue, allows farmers to sell their products directly to consumers to ensure that they receive fair prices for their produce.

It also cuts unnecessary costs meted out by enterprising middlemen, and stabilizes food supply and distribution.

The popularization of malls, grocery store chains and the decreasing interest in farm food production has even complicated the issue that farmers slowly realized they have lost the venues for their products as weekly town market days slowly conceded to their fate against the daily mall operations.

Seeing the need to restore the necessary support to farmers and re-establish the necessary marketing support, the OPA, which has asked for the provincial legislature to come up with an ordinance to establish an institutionalized sustainable platform for farmer to consumer transactions, believes that KADIWA ng Pangulo would be that mechanism.

In fact, even Governor Erico Aristotle Aumentado, whose leadership has looked on the building consumer demand for fairer price of agricultural and cottage products has pushed for the establishment of Bagsakan Centers to open up consumer access to more affordable, more quality and healthier farm products.

An institutionalizing ordinance that sets up allocations should also strengthen partnerships between the provincial government, LGUs, national agencies, and private stakeholders in the implementation of the program, Provincial Agriculturist Liza Quirog said.

The move should also support the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) in its Memorandum Circular No. 2004-003 dated January 12, 2024 which outlines the guidelines for Local Government Units (LGUs) to engage in initiatives aimed at enhancing economic development and food security.

For sustainability, the ordinance implementation would be overseen by the OPA along with the Provincial Economic Enterprise Management Unit (PEEMU), LGUs, and other relevant stakeholders. (PIABOhol)

TABO SA LILA. With markets now becoming less frequented due to the convenience of malls, grocery stores and supply centers manned by enterprising middlemen, Bohol SP is poised to institutionalize the KADIWA as a venue for direct consumer-producer transaction platform to cut costs and make food more affordable. With an institutionalized KADIWA, Lila has brought production up lately. (PIABohol)