KADIWA: A PARTNERSHIP BORN FROM FARMERS’ STORIES TAKES ROOT AT CSU

What began as a conversation with farmers in Sto. Niño has now grown into a meaningful partnership.

On April 13, 2026, Cagayan State University, together with the Department of Agriculture Region II and the Local Government of Sto. Niño, launched an initiative centered on DA’s KADIWA marketing strategy at the Claude Andrews Convention Center.

Standing for “Katuwang sa Diwa at Gawa para sa Masaganang Ani at Mataas na Kita,” the initiative aims to bridge the gap between local food producers and consumers.

During the program, Dr. Arvin Alonzo, CSU Andrews Campus Administrative Affairs Director, shared vivid accounts of farmers’ struggles, stories of long days in the fields, rising costs, and harvests sold at prices too low to sustain their families.

These realities were witnessed firsthand by DA Undersecretary Cheryl Marie Natividad Caballero during her visit to the province. Moved by what she saw and heard, she, along with former CSU President and now member of the Board of Regents, Dr. Urdujah G. Alvarado, helped inspire a partnership aimed at creating real solutions.

In his message, Officer-In-Charge President Dr. Arthur G. Ibañez emphasized that CSU’s mission extends beyond academics. “We are here to stand with our farmers,” he said, committing the university to programs that bridge the gap between producers and markets.

The Department of Agriculture Region II, through Regional Executive Director Rose Mary G. Aquino, expressed strong support for the initiative and commended the leadership of CSU.

Director Aquino highlighted that this partnership marks a milestone, noting that CSU is the first State University and College (SUC) in Region II to implement such initiative under KADIWA.

She further underscored DA’s willingness to support CSU through access to KADIWA trucks, which can help transport and market agricultural produce from farmer groups and associations supported by the university’s research, development, and extension programs.

Beyond its formal launch, the event signified a shared promise, to turn empathy into action and create opportunities for farmers to thrive.

Meanwhile, fresh cabbages from local farmers in Sto. Niño are now available for ₱15 per kilo or ₱250 per bale. Interested buyers may visit the Hermes Lobby of the CSU Andrews College of Business, Entrepreneurship, and Accountancy (CBEA) Building. A similar initiative has also been launched at the CSU Carig Campus.