BUTUAN CITY — On May 22, the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) Caraga opened a one-day Kadiwa Fair at the Masao Aquaculture Center, offering residents fresh and affordable agricultural and fishery products. The fair was held as part of the Farmers' and Fisherfolk's Month celebration, providing a direct link between local producers and consumers. Eight fisherfolk groups from Butuan City and nearby towns joined the fair, selling their products directly to the public. For residents, the event was more than a market, it was a chance to access quality goods at prices lower than market rates.
A Direct Connection Between Producers and Consumers
Mercy Lumidas, 36, a resident of Masao, said she bought assorted vegetables from three stalls at prices lower than market rates. "The price is lower compared to the markets, and the vegetables are fresh," she said, urging BFAR-13 to hold another round of the fair in their area. Rosita David, 26, of Barangay Libertad, said she was visiting relatives in Masao when she saw the display of fruits, vegetables, and fish. "I bought fresh fruits of different kinds because they are good for my children, and they are fresh and affordable," she said. David added that she hopes more Kadiwa Fairs would be organized in Butuan City to give residents easier access to farm and fishery products.
Supporting Local Producers and Food Security
The fair underscored the importance of supporting local producers, featuring a wide range of commodities, fishery goods, and other locally made products. BFAR-13 said in a statement, "While we celebrate Farmers' and Fisherfolk's Month, we are also giving Butuan residents the chance to buy fresh products directly from the source". The fair also provided participating groups a platform to showcase their products and connect directly with buyers. By eliminating middlemen, the Kadiwa Fair ensures that farmers and fisherfolk receive fair prices while consumers enjoy affordable, fresh produce.
A Step Toward Greater Food Accessibility
Residents expressed hope for more such fairs to give them easier access to farm and fishery products. The Kadiwa ng Pangulo program, which the fair is part of, is a regular initiative of the Department of Agriculture to bring products from farms to consumers at quality and lower prices compared to supermarkets. For Butuan City, the fair represents a growing commitment to food security and community well-being. As the city continues to develop, events like the BFAR Kadiwa Fair strengthen the connection between urban consumers and rural producers, building a more resilient local food system.
