DA, DTI launch Kadiwa Diskwento Karavan for QC families

The Department of Agriculture (DA) and Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) have formally launched the "Kadiwa Diskwento Karavan" to provide affordable basic commodities to urban families affected by the enhanced community quarantine.

This joint project functions as a "mini grocery" selling agri-fishery products, canned goods, and other necessities at prices lower than suggested retail, by eliminating middlemen and directly linking producers to consumers.

The initiative, which initially served hundreds of families in Marikina City, aims to offer a 20 percent discount on goods.

Marikina City Mayor Marcelino Teodoro welcomed the partnership as a critical intervention, especially after the city's public market was temporarily closed for disinfection.

To further assist beneficiaries, the DA, DTI, and the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) agreed that the Kadiwa Diskwento Karavan will be deployed in areas where the DSWD distributes Social Amelioration Program (SAP) cash grants.

This strategic deployment will enable SAP beneficiaries to readily purchase food essentials with their grants.

The caravan is scheduled for deployment in other areas of Metro Manila in the coming days, in collaboration with the DSWD and local government units.