POP-UP stores from various Cebu-based farmer groups and cooperatives occupied the atrium of the Robinsons Galleria Cebu as part of the simultaneous launching of Kadiwa ng Pangulo (KNP) outlets across the country on Monday, July 17, 2023.
The KNP pop-up stores allow farmers to sell directly to consumers, making agricultural and fishery commodities accessible at affordable prices to consumers.
The KNP pop-up stores in Robinsons Galleria Cebu will run for three days, until July 19.
Simultaneous launches also took place in Central Visayas at the Tagbilaran Old City Airport in Bohol, HPG Grounds, Lamberto Macias Sports Complex, Dumaguete City in Negros Oriental and Siquijor Capital Square.
Roghelin Pañares, from Lamac Multipurpose Cooperative of Pinamungajan, stated how significant the establishment of “Kadiwa ng Pangulo” is in showcasing local products and commodities of farmers.
“Dako gyod ni siyag tabang para mabaligya sad lagi ilang commodities. Pamaagi sad aning Kadiwa, ma-display namo ilahang products nya ma-known kon unsa ilahang commodity nga naa didto. Ug usa sad, matabangan namo sila nga mabaligya ang ilahang products,” she said.
(It really is a huge help with regards to getting their commodities sold. Through Kadiwa, we are able to display their products and give the exposure they need. Another thing is that we are actually able to help them sell their products.)
All of the profits go to the farmers and small entrepreneurs.
Rosemarie Roma, a 35-year-old vendor selling mangoes, bitter gourd, tomatoes and chili peppers, said everything being sold at her pop-up store is fresh and purely organic.
“Kani tanan gibaligya diri kay organic gyod ni, natural kaayo. Wala’y bisa’g unsang sagol nga makapabati sa lawas,” she said.
(All of the goods being sold here are organic and natural. No toxic additives that could harm the body are mixed.)
Sierra Mae Delposo, a tourism staff from Dalaguete, said the event not only showcased local products, but also promoted the livelihood and tourism destinations of their municipality.
She added that the launching of the program helps in boosting the sale of local products from various municipalities.
The Department of Agriculture (DA), Department of Trade and Industry and other government agencies on Monday, July 17, signed a memorandum of agreement (MOA) on the establishment of KNP outlets in all local government units nationwide.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., who also serves as DA secretary, witnessed the MOA signing in San Fernando City, Pampanga.
The MOA aims to strengthen cooperation between local government units and national government departments to increase the number of KNP outlets and support farmers, shoppers, and small business owners.
As of 16 June 2023, there were 342 KNP outlets nationwide.
The MOA was likewise signed by representatives from the Department of Labor and Employment, Department of Social Welfare and Development, Department of the Interior and Local Government, Presidential Management Staff, and the Philippine Communications Office. (CNU interns Miguel Angelu Lumen and Camille Erika Butas)