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Because of its noble intention to provide its members and the communities with access to food at fair prices especially during this trying time, various cooperatives in Batangas, which paved the way for the formation of “Chef José of San Jose Batangas Consortium of Cooperatives,” took an initiative to put in place an ad hoc food system or talipapa via community stores, community market, or mobile stores in different areas of the province under the KAtuwang sa DIwa at GaWA (KADIWA) ni Ani at Kita of the Department of Agriculture (DA).

In partnership with the DA Region IV-CALABARZON, they were able to set up two major marketing channels such as 1) community stores in collaboration with cooperatives (Coop-KADIWA), and 2) online market and delivery services through alliances with several online ordering and fulfillment platforms serving Metro Manila.

“We act as the fulfillment center or hub and distribute to the participating cooperatives or spokes. This hub and spoke model of KADIWA allows us to cover more areas and operate more efficiently to address the challenges of the COVID-19 crisis,” Ms. Cecille Aldueza-Virtucio, project head, explained.

As of April 15, they have 15 sites for the Coop-KADIWA, which have served around 2,500 families in Batangas, since the program was rolled out on March 11.

“We have set up a processing and packaging facility in San Jose to make it easy for our online market partners and clients to distribute to end consumers,” Ms. Virtucio shared.

Over 120 tons of fresh produce have been delivered since March by their alliances – Agro-Digital PH, Bukid Fresh, Farm2Table, and Uproot Urban Farms. Of that number, 30 tons of fruits and vegetables have been fulfilled since they partnered with them starting with the first delivery last March 21.

“Both models offer an exchange of products from farmers in Coop-KADIWA communities and other farmers linked to our alliances. And the arrangement narrows the gaps in our food system,” she added.

Meanwhile, DA CALABARZON Regional Director Arnel V. de Mesa commended Batangas cooperatives for their effort and working with the government to ensure that this endeavor is sustainable and will provide reasonable prices both to farmers and consumers.

“Together, we can develop the agriculture and fishery sector and we win against this pandemic,” Director de Mesa said.

Other farmers, consumers, and the local government units are enjoined to be partners of the cooperatives and the Department. For more information on this project, please contact Ms. Virtucio at 0917 812 0717. ● (ARC, DA-RAFIS)

[Photos Courtesy of Chef José of San Jose Batangas Consortium of Cooperatives / Cecille Aldueza Virtucio / Judit Alday]