CEBU, Philippines - After the success of the “Grand Farmers’ Day” and in response to the demand of the public, the organizers of Kumprahan SuperMerkado (Kumprahan) has decided to make Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays a regular “Grand Farmers’ Weekend” to give both farmers and consumers the opportunity to take advantage of what each sector has to offer.
More than three thousand customers visited Kumprahan, the first community market in a mall in the Visayas and Mindanao , during the “Grand Farmers’ Day” held last Saturday. Among them were the nuns from Perpetual Succour, who bought 40 sacks of Ganador rice and some fresh vegetables.
Kumprahan chief organizer Jon Ramos said the turnout of the participants surprised the organizers of the event.
“I did not expect this many people coming to the store today. But what’s really surprising was to see close to a hundred customers coming here as early as 6 a.m. It was a very awe-inspiring sight,” he said in a statement.
Department of Agriculture Director for Agribusiness and Marketing Services Francisco Ramos, who formally opened the event, lauded the organizers of the Kumprahan.
“I salute the organizers for giving the farmers the opportunity to earn more and at the same time giving the public the opportunity to buy directly from the farmers,” DA’s Ramos said, adding that this concept eliminates the middlemen out of the picture.
Ramos added that the farmers’ day concept is also practiced in other parts of the country. However, the one in Cebu is the first to be located inside a mall. Kumprahan is located in Bridges Town Square in Mandaue City .
Kumprahan organizers have allocated 220-square meters of rent-free space inside the Kumprahan to sell their products, which remain fresh because of the full-airconditioned environment.
Farmers welcome this offer, as the opportunity frees them from being at the mercy of the middlemen.
“Social kaayo mi’g dating dinhi,” said Rely Tanod-Tanod, president of the Carcar United Lowland Farmers and Irrigators Association.
“Wa sad ta’y kahadlokan sa demolition,” added barangay Binaliw councilor Estrella Diano.
DA-RFU 7 Executive Director Ricardo Oblena earlier said in an interview that the department has designated the month of June as the month for farmers and fisherfolks, wherein their efforts of being the country’s “unsung heroes” will be recognized through trainings and opportunities such as the “Grand Farmers’ Day.”