DA-7: Support local farmers, fisherfolks

CEBU, Philippines — The Department of Agriculture-7 led the culminating activity of the Farmers' and Fisherfolks' Month 2023 with the fisherfolks and farmers cooperatives displaying their various products at an affordable price at a mall in Mandaue City, Cebu via the Kadiwa ng Pangulo or Tabo DA 2023.

Some 21 invited exhibitors composed of farmers and fisherfolks associations/cooperatives and other government agencies joined the event.

The exhibit started yesterday until today.

Joel Elumba, DA-7 regional technical director for operations, in his speech during the event urged everyone to help the department in its efforts to achieve food sufficiency by not “wasting food.”

He also urged the public to help support the farmers and fisherfolks, the sector who continue their services even during the pandemic, by buying their products.

Kadiwa is an initiative of the Office of the President that aims to promote and bring the local products of farmers, fisherfolks, and small-scale business owners closer to the markets and to consumers.

In March, President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. personally went to Cebu for the launching of the “Kadiwa ng Pangulo in Cebu” held at the Cebu Provincial Capitol grounds.

The month-long celebration of Farmers' and Fisherfolks' Month 2023 that ended yesterday has a theme, "Masaganang Agrikultura, Maunlad na Ekonomiya," aims to pay tribute to the unsung heroes of the agriculture and fisheries sector whose roles and contributions ensure food security and sustainability.

This year’s FFM celebration chair, Undersecretary Agnes Catherine T. Miranda stressed that the event aims to recognize the invaluable contribution of the Filipino farmers and fishers in nation building.

Those who attended yesterday’s event and showed manifest of support include the Office of the Presidential Assistant for the Visayas, the Department of Social Welfare and Development, the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, the Mandaue City Government, among others. — (FREEMAN)