TAGBILARAN CITY, BOHOL — Every Friday, the aroma of freshly harvested rice, sun‑ripened fruits, and crisp vegetables fills the air at KADIWA sa Bellemar, where Boholano farmers sell their produce directly to consumers. The market offers affordable, high‑quality local products without the markup that middlemen typically add. For residents and restaurant owners alike, it has become the go‑to destination for ingredients that carry the authentic taste of Bohol's fertile soil and coastal waters.
The KADIWA program, a national initiative of the Department of Agriculture, bridges the gap between farmers and consumers. By eliminating layers of traders and consolidators, farmers receive a fair price for their harvests while buyers enjoy lower costs. The Bellemar outlet has established itself as a reliable weekly fixture, drawing a loyal customer base that includes home cooks, hotel chefs, and food entrepreneurs seeking the freshest local ingredients for their kitchens.
Strengthening Bohol's Food Economy
KADIWA sa Bellemar is more than a market; it is a direct investment in Bohol's agricultural communities. Every purchase channels money directly to the hands that till the soil and harvest the crops. The market features a rotating selection of seasonal produce, ensuring variety throughout the year. Staples like rice are always available, alongside fruits such as mangoes, bananas, and pineapples, and vegetables including leafy greens, root crops, and native varieties unique to the province.
The program supports the provincial government's broader push for food security and agricultural sustainability. Governor Erico Aristotle Aumentado has championed initiatives that strengthen local supply chains and reduce dependence on imported goods. KADIWA embodies this vision by creating a stable, predictable outlet for smallholder farmers who might otherwise struggle to find consistent buyers for their harvests.
A Food Tourism Destination in the Making
For visitors to Bohol, KADIWA sa Bellemar offers an authentic taste of the island's culinary heritage. Tourists seeking to understand Boholano cuisine can find the same ingredients that local families use in their kitchens—ingredients destined for dishes like chicken halang‑halang, kinilaw, and fresh seafood soups. The market provides a sensory experience that no restaurant can replicate: the chance to meet the farmers, smell the produce, and taste samples before buying.
The market aligns with the growing global trend toward farm‑to‑table dining and sustainable food tourism. Hotels and resorts across Panglao and Tagbilaran increasingly source from local suppliers, and KADIWA provides a centralized, reliable venue for procurement. For the traveler who wants to bring home a taste of Bohol, the market offers fresh produce, local delicacies, and the story of the hands that grew them.
