DAVAO CITY – The Department of Agriculture XI has turned over P5 million worth of support for the establishment of a “Kadiwa ni Ani at Kita” community store in Lupon, Davao Oriental.
This support includes a store and a vehicle, officially turned over to the town during the municipality’s Farmers and Fisherfolk’s Month Culmination on Thursday, May 30, 2024.
This facility aims to create opportunities for farmers and fisherfolk in the municipality to sell their produce directly to consumers at the best prices, ensuring fresh, affordable, and nutritious food for every household.
In his speech, DA-11 Regional Executive Director Macario D. Gonzaga emphasized that the Kadiwa program is anchored on boosting the region’s food security and agricultural productivity. “This project is a bridge for the community to buy fresh produce from farms. We at the DA are steadfast in our dedication to carrying out our mandate, which is to enhance the availability of food for every household and to support the livelihoods of our farmers and fisherfolk,” Gonzaga said.
During the event, DA-11 RED Gonzaga, alongside Lupon Mayor Erlinda Lim, also led the signing of the Memorandum of Agreement for the P1.5 million Livestock Economic Enterprise Development (LEED) Project—a Beef Cattle Breeder Farm. This project is intended for the MLGU of Lupon and the Tagaboa Rice Farmers Irrigators Association (TAGRIFIA).
More than 20 farmer associations displayed their produce for sale at the Kadiwa ni Ani at Kita community store, offering vegetables, fruits, traditional rice cakes, meat, and other agricultural products.
