Five farmers’ associations (FAs), supported by the Department of Agriculture – Special Area for Agricultural Development (DA-SAAD) Program, successfully tapped into new market opportunities by participating in the Kadiwa ng Pangulo trade fair.
Held at the DA Regional Field Office 8 Compound from April 23 to 25, the event provided a vital platform for these FAs from Leyte and Biliran to showcase products from their ongoing livelihood interventions. As a regular activity of the Agribusiness and Marketing Assistance Division (AMAD), the fair directly connected local producers with consumers.
Among the featured exhibitors, the Julitanhon Integrated FA (JIFA) of Julita, Leyte, earned Php4,465 from selling 17 trays of table eggs. The Lourdes Unified FA (LUFA) generated Php3,600 from the sale of 14 trays of eggs.
Meanwhile, the Barangay Aringit FA (BAFA) from Pastrana, Leyte, sold 40 kilograms of siling labuyo and bananas. The Tucdao-Anas Farmers Irrigators Association Inc. (TAFIA) from Kawayan, Biliran, recorded Php1,576 in sales from 27 kilograms of string beans, 60 kilograms of eggplant, and 3 kilograms of bitter gourd (ampalaya).
Lastly, the Cabucgayan Farmers Association (CAFA) from Cabucgayan, Biliran, earned Php3,751 from their cucumber and tomato produce.
In total, these five farmer groups collectively recorded Php17,207 in net sales during the three-day market fair.
“Hadto, ha amon barangay la namon ginbabaligya it amon mga produkto. Yana mas damo na it amon nababaligyaan ngan mas dako na it amon income. Salamat gihapon ha SAAD ngan Kadiwa, diri na gadman kami naagi hit mga middlemen,” shared BAFA President Oliver Costimiano.
[Before, we could only sell our harvest within the barangay. But now, we can reach a bigger market and earn more sales. Thanks to SAAD and Kadiwa, we no longer rely on middlemen.]
Through the SAAD Program, farmers receive crucial production support, comprehensive training, and tailored enterprise development. These resources effectively prepare them for successful engagement in market-based activities like the Kadiwa ng Pangulo initiative, where they directly benefit from zero-rental booth spaces, invaluable exposure to consumers, and significant opportunities to connect with potential buyers.
The Marketing Assistance and Enterprise Development (MAED) Sub-Unit provided logistical and promotional support, ensuring products meet customer requirements and arrived at the venue in optimal condition. Additionally, MAED personnel took the initiative to sell surplus products in downtown Tacloban City, minimizing spoilage and potential losses.
Looking ahead, the Program remains committed to collaborating with various marketing platforms, such as the Kadiwa ng Pangulo. This ongoing partnership is crucial for empowering marginalized farmers, aligning with the program’s broader goal of achieving inclusive rural development and bolstering food security within the region. ###
Source: SAAD Eastern Visayas MAED Sub-Unit
