MARIKINA CITY, PHILIPPINES – The lockdown due to the COVID-19 pandemic presented an opportunity for farmers groups/cooperatives in the Philippines to sell their produce directly to consumers.
On 3 May 2020, with the help of PAKISAMA, AFA member in the Philippines, their member organization Kababaihang Dumagat ng Sierra Madre (K-GAT), a start-up women-led cooperative, brought four tons of various vegetables, fruits, rootcrops and other products from their members in Daraitan, Tanay, Rizal province, to the locked down consumers of Dela Costa Homes, Barangka village, Marikina City.
To promote the initiative among the residents of Dela Costa, an assigned person went around the area to announce the farmers’ market, giving emphasis that these products are from the Indigenous Peoples of Rizal province whose livelihood is affected by the lockdown. As a response, an overwhelming number of customers turned up to purchase the products of the Dumagat farmers.
Some areas in the Philippines, including Metro Manila, are still under lockdown to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Citizens are prohibited to go out of their houses except for essential reasons such as purchasing food and medicines and seeking medical help. Thus, this farmers’ market is a welcome initiative for the residents as they no longer need to go outside their village to purchase fresh vegetables and fruits. Many of those who came to buy live within walking distance from the farmers’ market.
This direct selling of produce benefits both the farmers and consumers. Through this set-up, the farmers earn more because there is no middleman; they were able to sell directly to the consumers and at the same time, the consumers get fresh produce straight from the farm for a lesser price compared to that in the supermarkets and more importantly, they know where these produce come from. Moreover, this initiative has also built a stronger farmer-consumer relationship.
This initiative was made possible with the help of several partners. PAKISAMA helped with the logistics, including coordinating with the Dela Costa Homeowners Association to allow the farmers to sell their products in the area. The Dela Costa Homeowners Association allowed the use of its covered basketball court to be converted as a “farmers’ market” where the products will be sold. Marketing of products is facilitated by another start-up marketing cooperative Daluyan through a partnership with an online vegetable marketing called “Murang Gulay” (Cheap Vegetables). The Office of the Vice President of the Philippines assisted by guaranteeing food passes, allowing K-GAT to pass through several local government checkpoints.
K-GAT is evolving as the cooperative arm of two of its members—SAGIBIN and SUCATAN. These two organizations are currently struggling against the construction of the mega Kaliwa Dam that threatens to displace the Indigenous Peoples’ communities and flood their farms. KGAT was organized by the NTFP-EP, an AFA partner non-government organization.
For the farmers’ market schedule and list of available produce for sale, go to the PAKISAMA Facebook page or contact Socrates Banzuela, Executive Director of PAKISAMA, through mobile number +639171841961. #
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