Cebu gets 3 refrigerated vans for farmers, fishers

CEBU, Philippines —  Three refrigerated container vans dubbed as "Palamigan ng Bayan" were recently turned over to the Cebu provincial government by the Department of Transportation (DOTr) through the Cebu Port Authority (CPA).

"Palamigan ng Bayan” is a DOTr initiative to aid local farmers and fisherfolk in the delivery of their produce to and from the market due to the travel restrictions implemented by various provinces under Enhanced Community Quarantine (ECQ).

"The provision of reefer vans aims to help the local government preserve locally produced goods prior to transport and distribution, support our local farmers and fisherfolks and of course address concerns on food supply in the province," CPA general manager General Leonilo Miole said in a statement.

The 20-foot reefer container vans will be used as cold storage to store fresh fruits and vegetables, fish and meat products and other perishable goods and supplies.

"One of the three units was already sent to the Municipality of San Remigio Fish Port while the remaining two were delivered to Cebu South Bus terminal and will be used for the Provincial Bagsakan Central according to Governor Gwendolyn Garcia," Miole said.

Suspended

Meanwhile, the Department of Agriculture-Central Visayas (DA-CV) announced that the KADIWA ni Ani at KITA (Retail) on May 7-8, 2020 in Maguikay, Mandaue City will be temporarily suspended for disinfection.

However, the public may still avail of the fresh agri commodities through KADIWA online by downloading the “GoodKredit Apps” via Android phone.

KADIWA online supports food resiliency program of DA ensuring food accessibility and affordability in this time of ECQ due to COVID-19 pandemic.

KADIWA  offers fresh vegetables like string beans, eggplants, and cabbage, among others from the farmers of Cebu City mountain barangays.

KADIWA online seeks to increase small farmers’ income and at the same time provide consumers the access to safe, fresh and quality agri-fishery products at reasonable price.

This will also ensure stability of price and steady supply of agri - products.  KQD (FREEMAN)