By Gabriela Baron
Over 350 Kadiwa sites opened in different locations all over the country, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. said Saturday, Dec. 17 during the launch of the Kadiwa ng Pasko caravan in Valenzuela.
Marcos said they now intend to continue the Kadiwa program beyond the Christmas season to ease the burden of consumers from the high prices of commodities.
“Ang Kadiwa sa Pasko ay ang aming munting pagtulong para naman maging mas masaya ang ating Pasko itong taon na ito,” Marcos said.
“Kaya’t mabuti ito, itong Kadiwa, hindi lamang nabibigyan ng pagkakataon ang taong-bayan na makabili ng mga kailangan na bilihin sa mas mababang presyo, ngunit nabibigyan din natin ng pagkakataon ang mga local producer ng mga maliliit na produkto na mayroon silang merkado, mayroon silang palengke,” he added.
Less than 20 Kadiwa ng Pasko sites were opened in Metro Manila during the project’s initial launch, according to Marcos.
The Kadiwa ng Pasko program aims to provide a market to local farmers and fishermen for their produce and to small business enterprises selling basic necessities.
Marcos also expressed his gratitude to all those who participated in the program, especially the owners of micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs).
“Kaya po ay maraming salamat sa lahat ng nakilahok. Maraming salamat sa lahat ng nagtrabaho para magkaroon tayo ng Kadiwa na ganito. Hindi lamang dito sa Valenzuela kung hindi sa iba’t ibang lugar sa Pilipinas. Kaya’t nakakatuwa po na makita ang inyong mga ngiti at maibati ko kayong lahat ng Maligayong Pasko at Manigong Bagong Taon,” Marcos said.
Among the participating agencies under the Kadiwa project include the Department of Trade and Industry, Department of Agriculture, Department of Social Welfare and Development, National Food Authority, and the beneficiaries of the Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced (TUPAD) Workers Program of the Department of Labor and Employment.
