More Cordillera farmers were linked with buyers outside the region through the DA Kadiwa ni Ani at Kita Express. Last April 22, 2020, the Municipal Local Government Unit (MLGU) of Balagtas, Bulacan directly bought 16,265 kilos of assorted vegetables from Benguet farmers in Benguet Agri-Pinoy Trading Center (BAPTC), La Trinidad, Benguet. Succeeding orders will be served for future relief operations.
Accordingly, the Municipality of Balagtas, Bulacan through the leadership of Mayor Eladio E. Gonzales Jr. decided to include fresh vegetables as part of the relief packs for distribution. The LGU coordinated with Bulacan Provincial Agriculturist Ma. Gigi P. Carillo who also linked with the Department of Agriculture-Cordillera (DA-CAR) for the partnership.
The vegetable needs were supplied through Mr. Ardan Copas, Manager of the Seeds and Fruits Multi-Purpose Cooperative. Copas mentioned that through the DA-CAR’s Kadiwa Express, they were able to collaborate with LGU Balagtas, Bulacan. He added that the vegetables such as carrots, potatoes, and chayote were produced by 18 farmers from the different municipalities of Benguet such as Atok, Tublay, Tuba, Kibungan, La Trinidad, Buguias, and Mankayan as well as in Bauko, Mountain Province.
The vegetables were distributed for the third time of relief operations to 25,000 households in Balagtas, Bulacan. Other goods included in the relief package are rice, meat, fish, condiments, and a hygiene kit.
Secretary of Agriculture William D. Dar has encouraged LGUs nationwide to tap the Kadiwa ni Ani at Kita Express by bringing the food closer to the communities.
OIC- Regional Executive Director Cameron P. Odsey lauded the effort of Balagtas, Bulacan, and emphasized that the KADIWA Express is one of the multi-market platforms of the ‘Kadiwa ni Ani at Kita’ program of DA wherein farmers and buyers are directly linked and both parties are mutually benefited. This is also in support ultimately in ensuring the unhampered movement of essential agri-fishery products amidst the on-going enhanced community quarantine in Luzon, he said.