ANGELES CITY — Mayor Carmelo “Pogi” Lazatin Jr. proudly showcased Angeles City’s monthly Kadiwa ng Pangulo market to Anti-Red Tape Authority (ARTA) Secretary and Director General Atty. Ernesto Perez during a special tour held recently. The visit served as a platform to emphasize the city’s ongoing efforts to support local farmers and ensure affordable, accessible food for residents.
The Kadiwa ng Pangulo market is a flagship program of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., which Angeles City implements regularly through Mayor Lazatin’s leadership. The initiative promotes homegrown products and strengthens the economic foundation of small-scale farmers and entrepreneurs by providing them direct access to consumers.
During the tour, Mayor Lazatin introduced Secretary Perez to various local vendors, many of whom are long-time participants of the program. Among the highlights were members of the Aeta community from Barangay Sapangbato, who offered freshly harvested fruits and vegetables, representing the inclusivity and diversity that the Kadiwa market fosters.
Mayor Lazatin explained that the market is more than just a venue for selling goods — it is a symbol of grassroots economic empowerment. By removing the middleman, the city ensures better profits for the farmers and lower prices for consumers, contributing to both economic and food security.
Supervising the Kadiwa operations are Executive Assistant IV Reina Manuel and Chief Adviser IC Calaguas, in close coordination with the Angeles City Economic Development and Investment Promotions Office (ACEDIPO), led by Irish Bonus-Llego. Their teamwork ensures the monthly event is well-organized and impactful.
The program’s success is evident in its performance. In April 2025 alone, the Kadiwa ni Kita at Ani program — featuring 10 stalls — generated a total of ₱100,925 in sales. This demonstrates strong public support for local products and the effectiveness of the city’s market-based livelihood approach.
Mayor Lazatin reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to sustaining the Kadiwa program, emphasizing that empowering farmers and small business owners is essential to building a resilient and self-reliant city. He thanked Secretary Perez for visiting and recognizing Angeles City’s model in promoting efficient, people-centered governance.
Source: Angeles City Information Office
