Since the Enhanced Community Quarantine was extended, the DA RFO XII, BFAR, NMIS together with the Local Government Units in the region came up to an initiative of a mobile palengke which is called “Kadiwa ni Ani at Kita on Wheels”. It gives opportunity to every individual in the region to purchase fresh and cheaper foods such as vegetables, meats, and fruits at different designated areas assigned by their Local Government. This can help the farmers to sell and promote their products as well as making it more convenient for consumers since the market is being mobilized in their area.
By this initiative, those people who are far from the town proper especially those who lived in the barangays and has a difficulty in travelling to the market (since public transportations were suspended) were given a chance to purchase their needs to survive daily. The LGU strictly secures social distancing and wearing of face mask in the area, which will help slow the spread of the virus especially from asymptomatic people or people who do not show any symptom of being infected with the virus. The mobile palengke will continue its business based on the schedule in the different areas in the region. The “Kadiwa ni Ani at Kita on Wheels” starts at 9:00 am to 5:00 pm which passes through different cluster barangays in each LGU.
We can say that this initiative is a “win-win” situation for both suppliers (especially the local farmers) and consumers. By this, the suppliers or sellers will sell most (if not all) of their products because they already have direct access to their customers and on the other hand, the customers will have an easy access to the market and they are sure that the products they buy are fresh and not over-priced. The “Kadiwa ni Ani at Kita on Wheels” serves as an anchor of hope to both parties, as they say “hitting two birds with one stone” since this program augments both of their needs- it gives income to sellers and provides foods to the consumers.
This kind of implementation will only be a success if all the people involved will do their part and be united with the government. Everyone should be disciplined enough (the sellers won’t overprice and the customers will practice social distancing) to abide with the rules and policies set by the authorities. After all, everyone shares the same goal during times like this- “to survive”.
(RMF/AMF,AML)
