MinDA opens food outlets in quake hit areas

KIDAPAWAN CITY  – To help address overpricing of basic commodities in quake hit areas, the Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) opens in Makilala today outlets selling food and basic household items.

MinDA chair Emmanuel Piñol said the first MinDA outlet will be opened at 9 a.m. Wednesday (today) in Makilala, North Cotabato, particularly in front of Notre Dame School along the Cotabato-Davao national highway.

Initiated by MinDA, the “Minda Tiendas,” are financed by private groups selling basic goods and food at reasonable prices or prices prior to the calamity to hit North Cotabato and Davao del Sur.

Piñol said the MinDA Tienda Program was a suggestion presented during planning meeting called by the MinDA on Monday.

Lenard Legarda, Makilala town planning officer, admitted that prices of common household items, including food, have dramatically increased following the earthquakes.

“In today's launching, fish from Gen. Santos City, canned sardines from Zamboanga, vegetables from Bukidnon, pork from nearby towns and rice direct from the farmers will be sold at farm gate prices,” Piñol said, adding that the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the police will be engaged to ensure the smooth operation of the “MinDA Tienda.”

After Makilala, other outlets will be opened in Tulunan and Magpet in North Cotabato and Bansalan, Matanao, Magsaysay, both in Davao del Sur. An outlet will also be opened in Digos City.