Angeles City, Pampanga — At least 35 agripreneurs opened kiosks at a Kadiwa Pop-up Store at Marquee Mall from 4 to 6 March 2025 as part of Women’s Month celebrations, officials said.

The event, led by the Department of Agriculture (DA) Agribusiness and Marketing Assistance Division (AMAD) Central Luzon, in coordination with the Gender and Development Focal Point System (GAD FPS), carried the theme “Women in All Sectors, Progress for the New Philippines.”

The agripreneurs, from various provinces in Region 3, showcased their products directly to consumers.

Participating businesses included the Diarabasin Integrated Farmers Agrarian Reform Cooperative, Briana Food Creations, Jam’s Food Product, Mae’s Food Product, Ruthy’s Food Product, Terio’s Cashew Nuts, Beakris Food Product, Joyce Araro, Joyful Garden Organic Farm, Remiks FD Food Trading, Lito Rey Bonless Tinapa, LB Caluag Food Products, Jam Chicharon, Laur Farmers Agriculture Cooperative and the Kaagapay sa Pag-Unlad ng Mamamayan Producers Cooperative.

It also includes Castañeto Dairy Products, Heavens Sweet Treat, Ajee Foods, Grassroots 8Famm Inc., Kaka Farmers Association Inc., Plant Habitat, Pansinao Parent’s Agriculture Association, RV de Dios Food Products Manufacturing/Diaspora Farm & Re, Nutridelight Delicacies, GASAK, Gurung guru Farmers Association, Dang Noy’s Tinapa/Monching Rolls, Sonia’s Sweets/F&F Balincaguing, Chips ‘n Joy @Lee Zah/MAJs Quality Eggs, Lola Puring Food Products D4A Handicraft and Lovely’s Bedsheet.

The pop-up stores featured a variety of agricultural products and items, including fruits, vegetables, crab paste, dried fish, dried chips, milk and other regional specialties.

Rachel Ann P. Encarnacion of Sonia Sweets shared her experiences as an agripreneur, aiming to inspire other women.

“As a business owner, I have seen firsthand how women are instrumental in economic development,” Encarnacion said. “Business is not just about selling products; it’s an opportunity to create jobs, support others’ dreams, and inspire women to start their own entrepreneurial journeys.”

A ribbon-cutting ceremony opened the Kadiwa Pop-up Store, led by Ayala Malls-MarQuee Mall general manager Peachy Atendido, DA regional technical director for Operations Dr. Arthur D. Dayrit, Agribusiness and Marketing Assistance Division chief Carmencita S. Nogoy, Accounting Section chief at GAD head secretariat Laieson C. Cabigao and provincial director Elenita Ordonio.