A worker arranges farm produce at a Kadiwa on Wheels outlet in Baguio City in this undated photo, as the city government announced plans to hold a monthly Kadiwa ng Pangulo event to give farmers a direct selling venue. Photo courtesy of Liza Agoot/ Philippine News Agency (PNA)
The Baguio City government considered a proposal to institutionalize the Kadiwa ng Pangulo as a monthly activity to widen selling opportunities for small entrepreneurs and improve access to affordable produce.
Councilor Van Dicang said the plan sought sustained coordination with national agencies to support residents engaged in micro and small enterprises.
He said products sold through the Kadiwa program were sourced directly from producers, allowing prices to be set at least 10 percent lower than prevailing market rates.
Dicang added that a regular schedule could help establish the activity as a dependable venue for both consumers and vendors.
Under the proposal, the Kadiwa market was set to be held every last week of the month at Igorot Park, which had hosted similar events in the past.
Small farmers and producers had continued selling goods at the Kadiwa store located at the Slaughter Compound in Baguio City, a facility constructed with funding from the Department of Agriculture.
A technical working committee was to be created to oversee operations, including vendor scheduling, logistics, site management, security, sanitation, information dissemination, and sales monitoring.
The proposal also provided for the participation of the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology to allow persons deprived of liberty to market their products during the activity.