Embracing the spirit of Bayanihan, the Department of Agriculture (DA) Western Visayas with the various farmers’ cooperatives and associations, Research Outreach Stations, and private individuals and groups initiated the KADIWA Community Pantry at the Operations Compound in Iloilo City on April 30, 2021.
Nearly 300 residents from the barangays of Zamora, Concepcion, Veterans, and Duran in City Proper lined up and availed themselves of various farm products.
According to Agricultural Marketing Agribusiness Division (AMAD) chief Maria Teresa Solis, the agency was inspired by various Bayanihan initiatives across the country. She also expressed her gratitude to all who supported the KADIWA Community Pantry.
“Nagapasalamat gid kami sa tanan nga sponsors, ang atun mga rice processing centers, Dingle RPC, SIAMPC Oton, Sta, Barbara, RPC Pototan, Bayanihan Tipon Centers, KAMAPAT, KOICA RPC, WESVIARC, Tubungan LGU, Dreamers Valley ni Mr. Edward Trisico kg Mr. Jodi Tayupon of Oton, Iloilo. Damu gid ang atun naging sponsors. Kabay pa nga magsigi-sigi ang atun community pantry,” said Solis.
Regional Executive Director Remelyn Recoter, Regional Technical Director Rene Famoso, and AMAD also donated cash which was used to purchase additional commodities.
Teresita Losada, 59 years old from Brgy. Zamora said, “Nagdalagan gid ako diri, kay siling ko nalipay gid ako kay utan nga daan, kay ako nanamian gid nga daan sang mga utan. Nagapasalamat gid ako kay nakakadto ako diri.”
Staff and personnel of DA WV came together to help in the physical setup of the community pantry. They have arranged the goods and facilitated the safety and social distancing protocols.
Jose Provido, a senior citizen patiently waited in the line for his chance to join the community pantry. He thanked the DA for helping poor people like him.
“Nagapasalamat gid ako sang daku sa Department of Agriculture na nakabulig sila sa mga pigado para sa amun pagkaon sa adlaw-adlaw,” he cited.
The idea behind the community pantry was that people could take as much as they need and donate whatever they can. This modern Bayanihan is a remarkable phenomenon today. For DA-WV, the true heroes in this time of pandemic are the farmers, as they thrive to produce good agricultural products to ensure that Filipinos will have a sufficient supply of food. (M.C.M. Buala/ Photos by J.D. Guzman/DA RAFIS 6)
