IN what can be considered a remarkable feat, the Department of Agriculture Regional Field Office 2 (DA-RFO2) successfully delivered and sold a total of 14,014 kilograms of fresh vegetables from Region 2 (Cagayan Valley) to Quezon City from March 23 to April 9, 2026.
Through the Kadiwa trucks and in collaboration with local governments in Santo Niño, Cagayan province, and Bambang, the DA-RFO2 - Agribusiness and Marketing Assistance Division (AMAD) ensured the swift transportation and sale of various vegetables, including cabbage, tomatoes, ampalaya, sitao, eggplants, wombok and sayote.
The produce were directly delivered to consumers in Cagayan, Isabela, and Quezon City, opening up new market opportunities for Region 2 farmers.
Based on records, Jerry Baltazar of Santo Niño, Cagayan, shipped 4,640 kilograms (kg) of cabbage to consumers in Cagayan and Isabela on March 23, followed by an additional 6,000 kg to Quezon City on April 6. The Palusao Farmers Association from Santo Niño also sold 1,000 kg of cabbage, while the Paraiso United Farmers Association from Solana town in Cagayan dispatched 820 kg of mixed vegetables, which were nearly sold out on April 7.
Farmers from Bambang, Nueva Vizcaya, also benefited from the initiative, delivering 720 kg of wombok and sayote, 646 kg of cabbage, and 188 kg of tomatoes to buyers in Cagayan and Isabela on April 9.
By cutting out intermediaries through direct sales under the Kadiwa program, farmers have minimized losses, while consumers have gained access to affordable, fresh produce.
"This initiative has helped maintain a stable food supply despite transportation challenges," said DA-RFO2 Executive Director Rose Mary Aquino. "The support from local governments and our partner agencies has been crucial in expanding market opportunities for our farmers."
Aquino said that the success of the initiative underscores the importance of collaboration between government agencies, local authorities, and farmers in strengthening agricultural market linkages.
“As the DA-RFO2 continues to expand its reach, farmers in Cagayan Valley are poised to benefit from improved market access and increased income opportunities,” she added.
