San Pedro City – The Department of Trade and Industry – Laguna Provincial Office (DTI-Laguna) extended its full support to the government’s flagship farm-to-consumer program Kadiwa ng Pangulo (KNP), held on February 15, 2025, at Mangosteen Street, Barangay Pacita 2, San Pedro City, Laguna. This is in partnership with the City Government of San Pedro, Department of Agriculture (DA), Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), and Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG).

The program started with an opening prayer from Mr. James Richard, followed by welcome remarks delivered by Hon. Barangay Chairman Gary Santos. National Government Partners, through their representatives, Ms. Fatima Mercado Alon of DILG and Frances Marie Orquia-Fajardo of DA, delivered messages of support to the Kadiwa program.

DTI-Laguna, represented by Negosyo Center Business Counselor Nikki Rose Mercado Repol, emphasized that the goal of Kadiwa is to provide Filipino consumers with access to affordable, high-quality produce from local farmers, as well as manufactured products. This is in line with DTI’s commitment to support the government’s efforts to stabilize the prices of essential goods, and help strengthen micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) by giving them access to manufacturers, cooperatives, fishermen and other sectors in the agricultural industry.

Furthermore, Engr. King Layola of City Agriculture Office of the City Government of San Pedro delivered the closing remarks expressing his sincerest gratitude to all the merchants, partner agencies, and patrons for the overwhelming support in the launch of Kadiwa program.

A total of 20 government-assisted local businesses from the CALABARZON region participated to offer their food and non-food products at the local Kadiwa caravan. Besides ensuring the accessibility to cheaper agricultural commodities, the agencies coordinated with some food manufacturers to supply other goods like cooking oil, fresh fish, and poultry products, among others. From agricultural and fishery commodities to local made and ready-to-eat goods, Kadiwa has brought San Pedro residents an opportunity to purchase affordable and high-quality basic necessities and prime commodities.

Participating enterprises from DTI include Puregold Price Club Incorporated, Green Ribbon Food Manufacturing, and Jingays Gourmet. In addition, partner agencies tapped the country’s farmers’ cooperatives and associations, which include Majayjay Organic Farmers Association, Valentin Integrated Farm, General Trias Dairy Raisers Multi-Purpose Cooperative, Cafe Amadeo Development Cooperative, Batangas City Rural Improvement Club Marketing Cooperative, and SPAWN (San Pedro Agri-Workers Network). In addition, Samahan Ng Kababaihan Ng Laguna – Maryland Chapter and BJMP (Bureau of Jail Management and Penology) were also given the opportunity to showcase handmade crafts and products proudly made by their members.

As part of DTI Laguna’s mandate, the agency will continue to work collaboratively with different government agencies to strengthen the Kadiwa program. The agency also encouraged the public to support Kadiwa and help local farmers, fisherfolks, and MSMEs to promote their products, reach wider markets, and generate higher income by eliminating intermediaries and directly offer products to consumers (NMRepol, DTI-Laguna). ♦

Date of release: 21 February 2025

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