FRESH FARM PRODUCTS. Photo taken during the launching of the "Locally Sourced" Kadiwa outlet of the Department of Agriculture (DA) in Robinsons North Tacloban on Friday (Nov. 27, 2020). Kadiwa stands for “Katuwang sa Diwa at Gawa para sa Masanang Ani at Mataas na Kita”, a marketing strategy of the DA that directly connects food producers to consumers, making products less costly. (Photo courtesy of DA Eastern Visayas)

TACLOBAN CITY – The Department of Agriculture (DA) has set-up a mobile market in one of the biggest shopping malls here to link local producers directly to consumers.

In partnership with Robinsons North Tacloban in Abucay village, the DA’s “Locally Sourced” Kadiwa outlet was officially opened on Friday.

Kadiwa stands for “Katuwang sa Diwa at Gawa para sa Masanang Ani at Mataas na Kita”, a marketing strategy of the DA that directly connects food producers to consumers, making products less costly.

Angel Enriquez, DA Eastern Visayas head, said this is a different venue which they usually conduct or establish with partner local government units to help farmers sell their produce to urban consumers.

“We also want the urban dwellers, especially the mallers to enjoy varied and freshly harvested farm products. That is why we are doing this right in a spacious, clean, safe, and more high-end venue,” she said in a statement on Friday.

Enriquez said they initially collaborated with eight to 10 exhibitors, market porters, packagers, and truckers, among others, offering fresh and locally produced fruits, vegetables, dairy products, seafood, including plants, succulents, and garden inputs.

The DA’s Agribusiness and Marketing Assistance Division has also set up a display area for seeds, seedlings, production guides, and other information, education, and communication materials and would also offer technical advice to those who will visit their booth.

Located at the second level of Robinsons North here, the outlet will be open until Nov. 30 and from Dec. 4 to 6, starting 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. (PNA)