THE Kadiwa Ani at Kita Share Mo Community Pantry of the Department of Agriculture (DA) in Central Luzon reopened Thursday, April 29, 2021, at the Capitol Compound, City of San Fernando, Pampanga.
The program is under the leadership of the Agribusiness and Marketing Assistance Division (Amad).
DA partnered with a group of farmers from Dizon Farms led by their Purchasing Manager Joseph Viernesto, Jr., Chairperson of Bukal Farmers Producers Cooperative Ferdinand Santos and Marlene Galvan of the San Jose Tabon Farmers Association and contributed a variety of products, vegetables and fruits on April 26 at DA-Regional Field Office 3 Grounds to be distributed for free.
Some of the local produce included cabbage, eggplant, lettuce, sweet potato, sayote, bell pepper, carrots, ampalaya, melon, among others.
According to Kadiwa Coordinator Menchie Nogoy of Amad, the community pantry has helped many families.
"Right now, our estimated compatriots who have been helped are up to 300 families and we still have a lot of stored vegetables to distribute to them," he said.
Gloria Villegas of Sta Lucia, San Fernando City, Pampanga is very grateful for the help given to her.
"There are six of us at home with my grandchildren whose parents are gone and I was just doing laundry but I stopped because it was forbidden--so thank you very much for your help, you have helped many people," Villegas said.
Meanwhile, the department now plans to turn the community pantry on wheels or take it to another place in the region to help more people in need during the pandemic.
Nogoy added that Kadiwa outlets in various parts of the region will continue to operate, helping farmers and fishermen sell their vegetables, fruits and fish directly in the market.
Amad staff also ensured that social distancing and wearing a face mask were enforced to maintain everyone’s safety.