In support of the ATI’s extension modalities such as the Learning Sites for Agriculture (LSAs), Extension Service Providers (ESPs) and the Community Urban Agriculture Model Farms (CUAMF), the ATI-Cordillera formally opens the ATIng Kadiwa on May 3, 2024 at the ATI-RTC-CAR ground, BSU Compd., La Trinidad, Benguet.
The formal opening of the ATIng Kadiwa was graced by DA-RFO-CAR Regional Executive Director Atty. Jennilyn M. Dawayan, BSU President Dr. Felipe Salaing Comila, ATI-RTC-CAR Center Director Mr. Charlie C. Sagudan, LGU La Trinidad representative Ms. Nida Organo, CALSA representative Mr. Prahbat Marzan, and the different stakeholders.
The Kadiwa program is an initiative of President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos, Jr. that seeks to establish a seamless farm-to-consumer market chain, eliminating intermediaries or middlemen and enabling local producers to realize higher incomes by directly vending their produce to consumers. This promising program is now being decentralized to local government units, empowering local government units to foster self-sufficiency and economic resilience. Beyond providing affordable produce, the Kadiwa also serves as a catalyst for Micro, Small, and Medium-sized Enterprises (MSMEs), facilitating local product promotion and bolstering economic opportunities within communities.
At present, the Agricultural Training Institute has certified 93 learning sites for agriculture, funded by different banner programs, producing various kinds of both fresh and processed food products ready for market and need for promotion for a sustainable market. Aside from LSAs, the Center partnered with 25 Community Organizations for the establishment of Community Urban Model Gardens, also producing different food products. Lastly, the Center has accredited 3 Private Extension Service Providers with various agri-products.
As a support to these LSAs, ESPs and CUAMFs, the Center launched the ELSA project with a component of the display center last November 2023. However, it was not fully utilized since the LSAs were not yet fully organized. Recently, the Cordillera Association of Learning Sites for Agriculture was organized (CALSA) and agreed to take charge of the operation of the display Center, now named ATlng KADIWA ni Ani at Kita.
RED Atty. Jennilyn M. Dawayan congratulated the ATI-RTC-CAR for initiating the kadiwa to continuously bring safe, quality and affordable food to the consumers. She also encouraged the CALSA to register as an organization to DOLE and to collaborate with other Kadiwa centers and also to BFAR and other projects of the DA to bring more diverse products into the community.
President Felipe S. Comila of BSU expressed his support for the Kadiwa initiative of the Center.
Center Director Mr. Charlie Sagudan encouraged the CALSA to sustain the Kadiwa center and looking forward to more partnership with other Kadiwa centers and to the farmer groups and individuals to bring and sell more products in the center.
The schedule of the ATIng Kadiwa ni Ani at Kita would be every Monday and Friday, however, it may open on any day with the provision that there are available products to be sold.//with reports from Dr. Cristine B. Esnara
