By Kenneth Marcos 
Shoppers and families flocked to the historic streets of Intramuros on Friday morning as stalls filled with fresh produce, local snacks, and handmade goods opened for the first day of the Kadiwa Ng Pangulo Expo. For many residents of Manila, the event is a welcome chance to buy affordable food straight from farmers while supporting local livelihoods.
The three-day expo, running from November 28 to 30, 2025, is being held at Foro De Intramuros. It brings together the Bureau of Soils and Water Management (BSWM) and several agencies under the Department of Agriculture (DA). The goal is to bring farm products closer to consumers while giving small farmers a fairer market for their harvest.
Visitors can find vegetables, fruits, rice, poultry, and other produce sourced directly from farmer groups and cooperatives. Many families lined up early to take advantage of lower prices compared to regular markets. Vendors also prepared locally made goods such as chips, jams, dairy items, herbal products, and native delicacies that reflect different farming communities across the Philippines.
The Kadiwa Ng Pangulo program has been expanded in recent years to strengthen food accessibility in urban areas. By reducing the number of middlemen, farmers are able to earn more from their produce while consumers pay less. DA officials say events like the Intramuros expo help address both rising food prices and the ongoing struggle of farmers to secure stable buyers.
BSWM and partner agencies are also showcasing programs that aim to improve soil health, promote climate-resilient farming, and support young people entering the agriculture sector. Information booths offer free consultations for urban gardeners, small livestock raisers, and anyone interested in sustainable farming practices.
Local residents welcomed the event, saying it adds life to the walled city while giving practical benefits to households. Some vendors shared that this kind of expo helps them reach customers beyond their own provinces, creating new opportunities for future sales.
As the holiday season approaches, organizers expect more visitors in the coming days. The DA encourages the public to drop by, enjoy local products, and contribute to strengthening the country’s agriculture sector.
The Kadiwa Ng Pangulo Expo will remain open until November 30, offering a space where city consumers and Filipino farmers meet at the heart of Manila.
Pwersa Balita – Your Trusted Source in Agri News