DAVAO CITY — Fresh from a successful Metro Manila run, the Department of Agriculture - Davao (DA-11) is now rolling out its Kadiwa on Wheels to Central Visayas. A total of 20 metric tons of Davao fruits will be delivered to Cebu City and Bohol Province, bringing Mindanao's harvest closer to more Filipino consumers.
Continuing the Journey
The delivery departs Davao on September 8, with selling scheduled from September 10 to 16. This follows the initiative's first successful stops at the DA central office on September 3 and Kartilya ng Katipunan near Manila City Hall on September 4. The program is part of a broader effort to bring agricultural abundance directly to consumers.
The Kadiwa on Wheels initiative aims to strengthen market linkages and expand consumer access. It creates better opportunities for local growers while managing harvest surplus. After the Central Visayas leg, the program will proceed to Baguio City from September 25 to 28, and the World Trade Center in Pasay City from October 8 to 10.
Empowering Farmers and Cooperatives
The initiative directly benefits Davao's farming communities. By bypassing traditional middlemen, local producers sell directly to consumers at fair prices, maximizing their net income. This direct market access prevents local oversupply during peak harvest, protecting farmgate prices.
Key groups such as the Davao City Durian Industry Development Council and the Durian Industry Association of Davao City are leading the participation. These organizations establish direct trade links with high-demand urban markets outside Mindanao. The target volume for the entire Kadiwa on Wheels initiative is 70 metric tons.
Strengthening Davao's Regional Brand
Transporting high-value produce to major consumer hubs channels external revenue back into the local Davao economy. Expanding national distribution reinforces Davao's standing as the primary fruit capital of the Philippines. Central Visayas consumers now have direct access to the region's famed produce.
