First launched on May 4, 2020, amid the COVID 19 pandemic, the Department of Agriculture has sustained the momentum of the Enhanced Kadiwa to cater to more farm producers and consumers as part of the newest digital scheme which directly connects farmers and buyers, enabling an efficient value chain system for the sustainable supply of fresh and nutritious farm produce.

The Agribusiness and Marketing Assistance Division of the Department of Agriculture Regional Field Office 2 (AMAD DA RFO 2) has tapped its I-REAP Group as a part of DA RFO 2 mainstreaming to conduct a workshop-mentoring for Farmers and Fisherfolks Cooperatives and Associations (FCA) for the E-Kadiwa ni Ani at Kita Inclusive Supply Chain Program at Southern Cagayan Research Center (DA SCRC), Minanga Norte, Iguig, Cagayan.

Ms. Ma Rosario U. Paccarangan, AMAD Chief said that it is imperative to develop innovations and scale-up existing technologies, to continue the supply to consumer line, without being petrified by the pandemic.

Trainers for the weeklong workshop were Mr. Nilo Aquino, Ms. Emilyne Baculi, Ms. Franchesca Palparan; all Business Development Officers, Ms. Demyross Quilang; Project Devt Asst, and Engr. Emil Andres, RPCO 2 Economist.

The new partners expressed support to the initiative, highlighting their willingness to help the producers and consumers alike.

Aside from enabling farmers to be social entrepreneurs, the officers, and members of the cooperatives said they ensure safe and nutritious food items that will be made available to consumers.

The second leg of the workshop will be at DA Nueva Vizcaya Experiment Station, Tapaya, Villaros, Bagabag, Nueva Vizcaya. (Ferdinand N Cortez, RPCO2 InfoACE Unit)