The Department of Agriculture’s “Kadiwa on Wheels” displays various food products at Barangay Pagatpatan, Butuan City while buyers purchase products following the strict protocols of the enhanced community quarantine.

The Department of Agriculture – Caraga has served three barangays on its first “Kadiwa on Wheels.” The program aims to bring the market to residents observing the enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) imposed in Butuan City and the entire region.

Farmers’ associations in cooperation with individual entrepreneurs and the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) have displayed commodities such as fresh vegetables, fruits, dressed chicken, pork cuts, fish, and other food supplies.

Residents from Barangay Pagatpatan, Agusan Pequeño and Bading are given the opportunity to buy their food needs right at the area where they live.

“We’re glad for this action from the government. Residents here don’t need to buy at the market or grocery stores, because our needs are already brought here,” said Chairperson Larry Abuzo of Barangay Agusan Pequeño.

The Department’s initiative is in support to curb the spread of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in the country.

“We’re bringing the market here in the barangays so we can help limit the going in and out of the people just to buy food,” said Agribusiness and Marketing Assistance Division Chief Lynn Pareñas.

Pareñas said that the strict implementation of protocols, such as social distancing and wearing of face masks, among buyers at the barangay hall covered court are being followed.

Suppliers of the “Kadiwa on Wheels” are farmer-members of Sumilihon-Taguibo Farmers’ Association (SUTAFA), Lemon Integrated Farmers’ Association, JVV Farms, Andrew’s Dressed Chicken, and Surigao City Fish Buyers Association.

The consolidated gross sales of the suppliers reached a total of PHP 79,440 for the three barangays. “This is also a good way to help our farmer-entrepreneurs have their products sold and still earn despite the pandemic,” said Pareñas.