In a significant step to enhance food accessibility, the Department of Agriculture Regional Field Office 1 launched the KADIWA program on August 9 at the Ilocos Training and Regional Medical Center (ITRMC), marking a key highlight in the hospital’s celebration of National Hospital Week.

Ten exhibitors participated in the activity namely: RIC Cadaclan, Dapuyens Vigan Empanada, Magnificent Farmers’ Association (FA), G’s Duckery, Per-res fruit products and processing, Phinry’s fruits and vegetables, Ubagan FA, CP dragon enterprise, Mavic egg center, and Ka Jonas food products.

KADIWA is a key initiative from the Department of Agriculture aimed at providing affordable agricultural products directly to consumers. By facilitating direct market access between producers and consumers, the program seeks to strengthen local food systems and ensure that fresh, locally sourced goods are readily available to communities.

Present key officials during the ceremony were Dr. Pretchell Tolentino, DOH Ilocos Assistant Regional Director; Dr. Unity H. Cortez, ITRMC Division head; Dr. Ryan Joseph Lirazan, OIC-Chief Health Program Officer; Ms. Mary Grace J. Gonzales, OIC-Allied Health Services; Ms. Virginia V. Casuga, CAO-Finance; and Mr. Norberto Prepose, Jr., CAO-HOPSS including Ms. Rhoda A. Galban, DA-RFO1 OIC-AMAD Chief and Ms. Corazon G. Valdez, head of AMAD Market Development Support Section.