Bislig City has turned the national KADIWA program into a permanent local program, with its own committee, a regular market schedule and a yearly budget, under an ordinance that the city approved this year.
City Ordinance No. 2026-11, the "KADIWA Institutionalization Ordinance of Bislig City," was enacted by the Sangguniang Panlungsod during its 39th regular session on April 14, 2026, and approved by Mayor Florencio C. Garay on May 6, 2026. It took effect immediately upon approval. The measure was authored by Councilor Victor B. Alvar, Jr. and sponsored by Councilors Romeo F. Cacayan and Pedrito R. Sulapas, Liga ng mga Barangay President Eladio A. Galano, and Vice Mayor Conrad C. Cejoco.
What KADIWA is
KADIWA is a Department of Agriculture program that links farmers, fisherfolk and micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) directly with consumers, cutting out layers of middlemen so food can be sold at lower prices. The ordinance cites DILG Memorandum Circular No. 2024-003, which encouraged local governments to set up "KADIWA ng Pangulo" sites in partnership with the DA, the Department of Trade and Industry, the Department of Labor and Employment and the DILG.
Where and when
The ordinance says Bislig's KADIWA market will run twice a month:
- Proposed location: the front area of the bus terminal in Poblacion (the terminal was later officially named the Bislig City Overland Transport Terminal under a separate September ordinance)
- Schedule: every 2nd and 4th Saturday of the month
- Hours: 6:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
The ordinance describes the site as a proposed selling area, so residents should check with the City Agriculture Office for the current location and schedule before going.
Beyond the main market, the ordinance directs the city to set up KADIWA centers in places such as public markets, barangay halls and schools, to deploy mobile KADIWA stores to underserved communities, and to develop an online platform for digital transactions and home deliveries.
Who can sell
A new KADIWA Program Committee will identify and accredit the farmers, fisherfolk, MSMEs and suppliers allowed to take part. The ordinance says participating sellers will be offered incentives such as tax exemptions, subsidies and training programs. It also lists among its objectives prioritizing senior citizens, solo parents and persons with disabilities in accessing KADIWA benefits.
Who runs it
The committee sits under the Office of the City Mayor. It is chaired by the mayor or a designated representative, with the City Agriculture Office as co-chair. Members include the city's cooperative development officer, the City Economic Enterprise Development Office manager, the local economic development and investment officer, representatives of farmer and fisherfolk organizations, the DTI and the DA, and private sector representatives where applicable.
The City Agriculture Office is responsible for monitoring the program's effect on local food security, economic growth and community participation.
Funding and penalties
The ordinance sets an initial annual budget of P500,000 from the city's General Fund. The city may also seek financial and technical help from national agencies, private organizations and international donors.
Anyone caught engaging in fraud, price manipulation or unauthorized selling under the program faces penalties that include fines and revocation of their accreditation.
Why it matters for local sellers
For small growers and fishers in Bislig's outlying barangays, the main draw is a regular, city-backed place to sell directly to buyers at a set time. For shoppers, the stated goals are more affordable food and steadier local prices. The ordinance's full text is posted on the city government's Ordinances 2026 page at bislig.gov.ph.