A total of 3,826 members of 28 farmers’ cooperatives and associations stand to benefit from the Department of Agriculture’s (DA) PHP5-million Kadiwa project in Limay, Bataan.

In a statement on Thursday, Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. said the project, which includes the construction of a permanent Kadiwa store, will be favorable to both farmers and consumers.

“A permanent Kadiwa store in Limay promises affordable, fresh, and safe food for local consumers while providing farmers with increased income opportunities,” he said.

Under the project, PHP1 million worth of trading capital will also be provided for the Kadiwa center.

Besides the permanent Kadiwa store project, Laurel also cited agricultural promotion at the barangay level through the Zero Kilometer Food Project (Zero KM), a healthy eating initiative using local produce.

“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,” he said.

He added that Zero KM seeks to address the local demand and supply system.

“This grassroots approach fosters a deeper understanding, better planning, and effective management of our food systems,” Laurel said.

With the DA’s presence, the Limay local government unit signed a memorandum of agreement on the Zero KM with the Bataan Peninsula State University, and Limay Polytechnic College.

Zero KM was earlier launched in Hermosa and Dinalupihan.

Laurel, meanwhile, participated in the launching of other projects in Limay including the Limay Invests for Farmers’ Triumph (LIFT), and the unveiling of the Anthony Villanueva Farm’s drip-fertigation system, among others. (PNA)