KIDAPAWAN CITY, Cotabato Province, Jan. 16 (PIA)-- To be able to support vegetable and fruit growers in Kidapawan City and help them cope the adverse effects of the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic, the city government continues to purchase their harvest and sell it at the Farmer’s Market near the City Hall.

City Mayor Joseph Evangelista said that farmers are among those heavily affected by the pandemic and the local government has initiated actions to assist them.

“Patronizing the farmers’ crops – vegetables and fruits which we directly buy from them in this difficult time is what they need from the government,” the local chief executive said, adding that the crops are displayed at the Farmer’s Market.

He then urged consumers to support local farmers by patronizing the Farmer’s Market which is very accessible to the buying public. The concept of buying farmers’ produce begun in April 2020 at the height of the pandemic. The LGU saw the difficult situation of the farmers who find it hard to bring their products to the market due to restrictions of the quarantine imposed by the government.

“Aside from helping our distressed farmers, we also help consumers avail of fresh vegetables, fruits, and even grains which is vital in the quest for food security for the constituents,” Mayor Evangelista emphasized.

The City LGU mandated the Office of the City Agriculturist headed by Marissa Aton and other concerned offices to ensure food supply and look deeper into the welfare of local vegetable and fruit growers especially with the present situation.

The Farmer’s Market is open to serve the public from Monday to Friday, 8:00 in the morning to 5:00 in the afternoon. Consumers are mandated to observe and follow minimum health protocols. (AJPME/JSCJ-CIO Kidapawan City LGU)