PERMANENT KADIWA STORE SOON IN BATAAN

THE Department of Agriculture (DA) has turned over P5 million financial grant for the establishment of a permanent KADIWA store in Limay, Bataan.

The KADIWA store is seen to benefit 28 farmer cooperatives and associations in the province.

According to DA Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr., the project is part of the government’s push for food security and higher income for the 3,826 farmer-members.

The P5 million KADIWA project, he added, includes the P1 million trading capital to support the center.

“A permanent KADIWA store in Limay promises affordable, fresh, and safe food for local consumers while providing farmers with increased income opportunities. However, this is just the beginning: More initiatives are needed to sustain this momentum,” Laurel  said.

In the same date, the agri chief also witnessed the signing of an agreement among the DA, local government unit of Limay, Bataan Peninsula State University, and Limay Polytechnic College for the launch of another Zero Kilometer Food Project.

Zero KM, an initiative launched last year in the towns of Hermosa and Dinalupihan, promotes healthy eating while minimizing cost and impact on the environment by consuming locally-grown fruits, vegetable and other agricultural products.

“Implementing this concept at the grassroots level within municipalities is where its true impact lies. It addresses the critical issue of food supply and demand at the local level, echoing concerns that resonate at the provincial and national levels. This grassroots approach fosters a deeper understanding, better planning, and effective management of our food systems,” the Secretary pointed out.

“By promoting agriculture at the barangay level, we create efficient systems that ensure food reaches consumers without delay, nutrient loss, cost overruns, price manipulation, or unnecessary intermediaries. This, in turn, lays the groundwork for data-driven interventions aimed at meeting local needs and exploring export opportunities,” he added.