Low-priced veggies, fruits sold at QC market fair

MANILA, Philippines–The Quezon City government sponsored its first market fair last Friday as part of its farmer-to-consumer program to address the recent spike in the prices of basic commodities.

The market fair was held at the lobby of city hall in partnership with the provincial government of Nueva Vizcaya and will run on a trial basis twice a month, according to city administrator Aldrin Cuña.

“We will see how receptive the consumers are. Eventually, we could establish the network between the farmers and a formal marketplace to cut down on middlemen and ensure lower prices,” Cuña said.

While providing consumers with fresh produce costing 10 to 20 percent less, “we’re also helping the farmers have access to the urban market,” he added.

Some of the produce sold at the fair were rice; vegetables such as habichuelas, cauliflower and sweet pea; and fruits such as strawberry, banana and papaya.

Quezon City Mayor Herbert Bautista and Nueva Vizcaya Gov. Ruth Padilla have signed a memorandum of agreement to formalize the implementation of the program, which was held in coordination with the Department of Agriculture and the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry Inc.

The next market fair is scheduled on Aug. 15, Cuña said.–Erika Sauler