Tacloban City - It’s beginning to look like Christmas, and for this year, the holiday season started early for some farmers and fisherfolk in Eastern Visayas as the Department of Agriculture Regional Field Office 8 (DA RFO 8), together with other government agencies officially launched the Kadiwa ng Pasko and Diskwento Caravan on November 16, 2022 at the Plaza Rizal, Tacloban City.

 

The activity was part of the simultaneous nationwide launching of the Kadiwa ng Pasko which was also held in Cotabato, Davao de Oro and parts of NCR. President Ferdinand ”BongBong” Marcos Jr., being the concurrent DA Secretary, was personally present to launch the project in Mandaluyong City.

 

In his message, PBBM reiterated his vision of bringing down the price of rice to P20/kilo, “Palapit na tayo doon sa aking pangarap na mag P20 ang kilo ng bigas, pero dahan-dahan lang, aabutin din natin ‘yan, pero marami pa tayong gagawin”.

 

The Kadiwa ng Pasko brings fresh agri-aqua products to consumers at lower prices compared to prevailing market prices due to the absence of middlemen within the value chain. In this concept, consumers are buying directly from the farmers and fisherfolk benefiting both parties – increased income for farmers and fisherfolk, while more affordable options for the consumers.

 

The launching was made more vibrant through the coordinated efforts of the Tingog Party List which not only invited the DA but also enjoined the participation of other government agencies such as the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), as well as DA’s member agencies, namely, Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR), National Food Authority (NFA), National Irrigation Administration (NIA), and Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA). Around 15 DA-assisted farmers’ associations participated in the said Kadiwa.

 

For its part, the DTI also launched their Diskwento Caravan where they gathered local MSMEs and distributors in the region to offer home goods and specialty products at marked down prices. Meanwhile, DOLE showcased their assisted associations through TUPAD.

 

The Kadiwa ng Pasko Diskwento Caravan will run until November 18, 2022 and to continue on November 20 and 27, and December 4, 11 and 18, 2022 at the Plaza Rizal, Tacloban City. ###