Video credits: Jean Beltran via YouTube
I recall the then Farmer's Market initiated by Mayor Thomas Osmeña who was not yet the Cebu City Mayor at that time. I guess he made that action because he was already planning to run for office.
But why am I telling you this? Well, because I really love the concept of having a specific spot for where the local farmers from the entire Cebu province can showcase their own products and for us consumers to know personally where these fruits come from.
Video credits: RTVMalacanang via YouTube
I also remember being sad that the farmer's market was moved to another spot, far from our place and then eventually, it was closed, unfortunately. Well, the truth is that there's another Farmer's Market across the city but compared to that previous one, this is way more expensive, one of the other was also located in a not very convenient or safe spot, so I still hoped before that the similar can be available again.
Welcome to TienDA!
Image credits: mypromo
It was early this year when I learned about TienDA.
After the burning incident of the Metro Gaisano portion of the mall, I realized they had opened a spot just near the Ayala Terraces, a place where products like fruits, vegetables and even ready to eat type of items are available. Upon knowing it, I already know that I will be a constant customer.
Then just a few days ago, my husband James pointed out about its name, TienDA, he asked me why the last two letters were capitalized? I also don't have an idea why is that and so he personally made his own research.
Image credits: ayalamallsthe30th
Today, he messaged me and advised that he now knows why and that is because the specific market was a partnership of Ayala Malls with the Department of Agriculture. This gave me more reason why I should be embracing this venture more!
With that, I thought to share my reasons as to why I love coming and buying my supplies of vegetables and fruits from TienDA. Read further to know more!
Embrace Locally Produced Fruits and Vegetables
Image credits: Steemit
It is true that there's a huge demand for food in the entire city. With a population of almost a million according to the 2015 census (perhaps it has increased in three years) suggests thousands of heads be fed too! But because of the decreasing number of farmers in the province as well as the country in general, there's a gap between the demand and the supply.
There's a notion that because the province can't anymore cope up with the demand, we are already importing from the other countries. But with the Department of Agriculture's means of helping the local farmers take out the middlemen who are usually the ones which earned a lot out of the farmer's produce. It is just very sad to know that those who are working hard in the fields are only earning a meager than those who are selling the fruits.
Image credits: steemit
With this venture, we as consumers are aware that we are helping our local farmers earn more because they won't be forced to lower down their prices for the middlemen. As what I know, those middlemen would even ask the farmers to lower down their price or else they'll look for another supplier.
It hurts to know that our farmers are being blackmailed this way. But as long as our government does their own job as well to help our local farmers by giving them a chance to sell directly to the consumers, our farmers can earn more!
Make Friends with the Farmers
Image credits: steemit
"Suki" is a local term used to refer to individuals who are your constant customers. I don't normally play favors with farmer vendors at Tienda but I can't help but realize that oftentimes, I would buy to the same vendor due to some personal reasons.
But one thing that I love about coming over to TienDA is the fact that the farmers or their wives who are selling the products get to talk and interact with their customers.
Every single time that I visit, I always find the sellers laughing with their customers. Aside from the fruits and vegetables, they also prepare and sell some ready to eat stuff like Bananacue, Avocado Shake, Steamed Sweet Corn and some Sweet Potato Fries.
Image credits: steemit
Last time I visited it was just this Tuesday and I am always glad that I leave my packs of purchases with "Ate" (older sister) while I go inside the mall to buy some other things I needed. I notice that they are already creating relationships with their customers which I find really good.
Huge Discounts Awaits
Image credits: steemit
Another advantage of buying from TienDA, from our local farmers is that I got a huge chance of receiving discounts! Compared to buying from mall grocery stores where the prices are really fixed and packed as how they are weighed, in Farmers' Market like this, goers can talk, even ask discounts from the sellers.
Sometimes, the vendors are also generous most of the time to give personal discounts whenever they think the customer deserves to.
I recall one time when I bought a lot of mangoes, avocados and other products, the vendor herself offered to give me a few pieces of mangoes more!
Image credits: steemit
Prices in TienDA are also lower compared to that in the malls, even those who are being sold in the Freedom Park or the Carbon Market. A kilo of sweet ripe mangoes cost only Php 90-100 in TienDA while in the malls, it costs Php 130-160. The eggplants too I must say are weighed at Php 80 a kilo but only Php 60 in the Farmer's Market.
Imagine if you buy more, the bigger discounts too!
A Chance in Lessening Carbon Footprint
Image credits: superbalitacebu
But more importantly, there's a bigger picture on why everyone should be encouraged to visit Farmer's Markets like this rather than purchasing from the grocery stores inside the malls is the fact that one has the chance to lessen using plastics.
Inside the malls, these vegetables and fruits are packed in plastics but with TienDA, the consumer can bring their own reusable bags to carry their purchases! In such a way, we can lessen our carbon footprint and help our environment.
Image credits: Superbalita Cebu
I applaud the Ayala Malls in partnering or shall I say agreeing with the Department of Agriculture to host these local farmers to display their produced goods for free! It is a big deal for the farmers and also a huge convenience to the buyers! Good job to both parties for tying up together and making this possible!
This blog entry was written and published by Jean Beltran-Figues for bitlanders.com.
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