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The Upland Sustainable Agri-Forestry Development (USAD) Program farmers of the province selling their agricultural produce during the TienDA launching at Datu Lipus Makapandong Cultural Center, Prosperidad, Agusan del Sur.

The Department of Agriculture in partnership with the Provincial Agriculture Office in Agusan del Sur kick off the first TienDA in the province to create an alternative market outlet for small farmers who could not readily access bigger and established markets.

This initiative from the government gives an opportunity to the farmers to sell their produce and for consumers to have an easy access to more affordable and freshly produced farm products.

“The products or vegetables that we’re selling here are all fresh from the farm. The members of the association are glad that the opportunity to sell in this area is granted to us,” said Alros Pilapil, Chairman of Bayugan High Value Farmers Association.

The farmers or the beneficiaries of the Upland Sustainable Agri-Forestry Development (USAD) Program of the province are among the individuals selling in TienDA at Datu Lipus Makapandong Cultural Center, Prosperidad.

Pilapil said that they are putting a markdown of P5 to P10 of what they’re selling in TienDA compared to the price in the market. “We want to make the consumers feel the advantage of buying the products from TienDA,” Pilapil added.

The initiative creates a strategic move towards empowering the farmers by giving them control of the food supply chain from the farm to the market which will eventually expand opportunities to both producers and consumers.

“Activities like this also provides opportunity for possible market linkages outside the province,” said Director Annray Rivera, TienDA Focal Person for South Metro Manila.

TienDA is like a Market Day where various agricultural commodities like fruits and vegetables are being sold. The activity also serves as one of the answers to the President’s declaration of his moral obligation to make food available and affordable for every Filipino. (Fretcher Magatao, DA-Caraga)