- Article by: JEAtienza
- Provincial Agriculturist's Office of Oriental Mindoro
The Provincial Government of Oriental Mindoro continues to strengthen the livelihoods of local farmers and fisherfolk through the monthly TUPAD cum KADIWA ng Pangulo (KnP) initiative. This collaborative program of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) MIMAROPA, the Department of Agriculture—Agribusiness and Marketing Assistance Division (DA-AMAD), and the Provincial Agriculturist’s Office (PAgO) integrates short-term employment with sustainable agricultural marketing support.
The initiative equips beneficiaries of the Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers (TUPAD) with skills to manage and operate KADIWA outlets. By linking employment generation with market access, the program provides immediate income to displaced workers while creating a direct selling platform for farmers and fisherfolk. This farm-to-consumer approach reduces dependence on middlemen, ensures affordable food for consumers, and improves earnings for local producers.
A key component of the program is the series of benchmarking activities conducted at the Provincial Agriculture Center (PAC) located at the Provincial Demo Farm in Brgy. Merit, Victoria. Held on July 18, November 28, and December 17, these sessions provided hands-on exposure to modern processing facilities, innovative technologies, and value-adding practices. Participants were encouraged to shift from selling raw produce to developing processed agricultural products that reduce postharvest losses and offer higher value and better market resilience.
Complementing the field exposure are training sessions on food safety, processing, and basic operational and financial management. These activities prepare beneficiaries to manage small agri-based enterprises beyond the TUPAD employment period.
As Oriental Mindoro continues to uphold its role as the “Food Basket of MIMAROPA,” the TUPAD cum KADIWA initiative remains a vital platform in building resilient, market-ready, and sustainable agricultural livelihoods across the province.●