The institutionalization of the Kadiwa Program here will create more opportunities for farmers and fisherfolk to market their produce, access modern technology, and open livelihood ventures for youth interested in agriculture and fisheries.

The Sangguniang Panlungsod approved on second and final reading the ordinance for the institutionalization of the Kadiwa Program during its regular session on Wednesday.

“The Kadiwa Merkado Lokal will serve as link. Right now, we are having negotiations with other universities, the fishing port, and the Police Regional Office in Western Visayas,” city agriculturist Iñigo Garingalao said in an interview on Thursday.

With 15 farmer associations in the city, the initiative aims to consolidate and expand their market presence.

Additionally, the city can now access Department of Agriculture (DA) funding and support, allowing participation from farmers as far as Leon, Iloilo.

This would also serve as a venue for the youth to start their business.

“We need their support because our Merkado Lokal, which used to be for city farmers and fisherfolk, has widened. With this ordinance and since we have a tie-up with DA Region 6, we can access even funds and support to help our farmers as far as Leon who are joining us,” Garingalao said.

This institutionalization aligns with DILG Memorandum Circular 2024-003, encouraging local governments to establish Kadiwa ng Pangulo as part of the Seal of Good Local Governance (SGLG) criteria.

Through this program, farmer associations can qualify for grants ranging from PHP500,000 to PHP2 million, available exclusively to LGUs implementing Kadiwa. (PNA)