‘By Helen Castano, Jhelmar Jala in Bohol | 02:39 PM October 18, 2023
The National Irrigation Administration (NIA) – Central Visayas launched its “KADIWA sa NIA” outlets in Bohol province so that more residents will have access to quality, safe, and affordable agri-fishery products.
“KADIWA sa NIA” is a marketing initiative of NIA-7 which seeks to empower the farming community by providing a direct and effective farm-to-consumer food supply chain.
The “Kadiwa sa NIA” was simulatenously held on Wednesday in Ubay, Talibon and Pilar to provide food and support the request of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. for food security and food sufficiency in the country.
In Tagbilaran City, residents flocked to the NIA to buy cheap vegetables and rice harvested by Bol-anon farmers.
Zarline Sambas, information officer of NIA-Bohol said the NIA people saw that the farmers have a lot of products due to irrigation but they have difficulty marketing and finding buyers for their products.
“We gather them here so that people can buy their products,” she said.
The “KADIWA sa NIA” also eliminates as many marketing layers, allowing farmers to earn bigger from directly selling their produce instead of using trader-intermediaries.
It reduces marketing expenses, thus making the fresh and quality products more affordable for consumers.
Resident Gerry Nabaha bought cheap rice and other products.
“Dako kaayo og ikatabang. Ang bugas sa tindahan P58, P56, unya diri P48 P49 ra. Mao-mao na sauna. Madada na kaayo,” he said.
According to Board Member Jamie Villamor, the provincial government supports this activity to help Bol-anon farmers.
“We in the provincial government can help the NIA and our farmers, we will continue our programs for them like rehabilitating our RPC, and encouraging our people to buy local products,” she said.
“KADIWA sa NIA” is only until tomorrow (Thursday, Oct. 19) but there is a possibility that it will continue due to a good feedback.
