Bacolod City has introduced a new Kadiwa ng Pangulo center aimed at supporting its small farmers by providing them a direct sales platform to consumers. The center was inaugurated on Sunday at the Bacolod City Government Center grounds, featuring products from the Bacolod City Integrated Small Farmers Federation and its 16 associated groups and small businesses.
Mayor Alfredo Abelardo Benitez announced that the KNP Sunday Market will operate weekly from 6 a.m. to 10 a.m., aiming to enhance local agriculture. He encouraged residents to support local farmers, emphasizing the availability of clean and healthy products year-round.
The launch showcased a diverse range of local agricultural products, including seafood, seasonal fruits, vegetables, plants, succulents, herbs, traditional snacks, and brewed coffee. Various groups participated, such as the Highly-Urbanized City Agricultural and Fishery Council, Adiangawan Small Farmers Association, and others, including beneficiaries of the LAB for All Egg Laying Project.
The Kadiwa ng Pangulo program facilitates direct market connections for farmers, eliminating intermediaries to make agricultural and fishery products more accessible and affordable. This initiative is designed to open new markets for farmers and fisherfolk, thereby boosting their income.
The establishment of the Kadiwa center involved collaboration with multiple government departments, including Agriculture, Trade and Industry, Labor and Employment, Interior and Local Government, and Social Welfare and Development, along with the National Food Authority.