Local farmers commend Labor Day Kadiwa Fair in Baguio City
by Kyla Elyza Macapanas | May 2, 2024
BAGUIO CITY, Philippines — Local farmers participated in the “Kadiwa ng Pangulo Para sa Manggagawa 2024” in celebration of Labor Day on April 27 to 30 at People’s Park Malcolm Square.
“Ang mga nakasali dito is ‘yung mga farmers as [Department of Agriculture] also invited them para they could sell their goods in a much cheaper cost,” said Amarant Abalos, Department of Labor Labor and Employment (DOLE) Officer III, in an interview on April 30, 2024 during the Kadiwa Fair.
Bridgit Piok, one of the sellers from Baguio City Farmers Agriculture Cooperative, said that the fair became an avenue for showcasing their products.
“It is helpful para naman we will [be able to] showcase our products, specifically products of Baguio City Farmers Agriculture Cooperative which is our Tinapong Kape, this is the only branded Baguio Arabica coffee that is produced by members of the cooperative from the different barangays in Baguio City,” Piok said.
Fortunata Ringor of Pacdal Cultivators Association also mentioned that their sales were not affected even when products are sold at a cheaper price.
“Okay lang naman ang [profit] namin kasi nasa amin naman din kasi iyon na mag [benta pa rin] sa tamang presyo,” Ringor said.
DOLE Officer III Abalos added that the rent and electricity for every stall were waived.
“Iyong venue kasi we enter into a MOA (Memoradum of Agreement) with the City of Baguio and actually pinayagan kami. Hindi rin kasi basta-basta ginagamit ‘yung Malcolm Square for trade fair but then gratefully, they allowed us for this activity,” she said.
“At the same time, ‘yung [ibang] mga bantay or workers, they are paid through TUPAD program ng department,” she added.
According to the House Bill No. 2547, “Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers (TUPAD) is a community-based package of assistance that provides emergency employment for displaced workers, underemployed, and seasonal workers.”
Lerma Estira, an online seller of Blue Dolymaks, also commended the management of the fair.
“Maraming mga bumibili at nag-eenjoy din kaming mga nagbebenta,” Estira said. “Maganda rin ang management nila kasi may pa-free lunch at free merienda.”
DOLE partnered with the Department of Trade Industry (DTI) and the Department of Agriculture (DA) in heading the event with the theme “Sa Bagong Pilipinas: Manggagawang Pilipino Kabalikat at Kasama sa Pag-Asenso.”
On Wednesday, May 1, the fair continued at Baguio Convention Center offering job openings and career opportunities.
