Naviferia 2026 Will Help Earthquake Victims in Panama.

Naviferias are annual subsidized holiday markets organized by Panama’s Institute of Agricultural Marketing (IMA) in order to provide families with affordable traditional Christmas dinner staples. The IMA plans to distribute 10,000 to 15,000 free bags from the “Naviferia 2026” program to families affected by the recent earthquake in four provinces of the country.

The director of the IMA, Nilo Murillo  confirmed that the Christmas Food Box will be processed as a donation from the Executive Branch, dependent upon digital registration in the official emergency database.  The aid will not be distributed massively and universally in the impacted areas, but only among the citizens who appear in the registers validated by the authorities through the reading of the QR code of the personal identity card. 

Murillo explained “We have studied how to take decisive steps to address the national emergency we are facing in those four provinces affected by the earthquake. This would be part of a gift from the president to support those families who have experienced this situation. However, these are families already included in the emergency data”.  Murillo repeatedly highlighted the need to adhere to the statistical records compiled during the crisis to ensure transparency in the distribution of state food aid.

The overall execution of the Naviferia 2026 program requires legislative approval of a $21 million budget allocation. Murillo will appear before the National Assembly’s budget committee next week to defend the transfer of funds, which will allow for the finalization of purchases and the coordination of the logistical deployment of the fairs throughout the country.

The food box will remain at $15 for the general population outside of disaster areas, and will include 15 dinner items.  According to the IMA, this year’s version includes an increase in the quantity and variety of items intended for preparing Christmas dinner. This is a very good price for the amounts of products included.

Bread ring: special 800 grams (new this year).

Pork: Picnic-type ham, 100% domestically processed.

Grains and staples: rice, corn for tamales and pigeon peas.

Condiments and dressings: sugar, salt, pepper, oil, mustard, mayonnaise and gravy.

Canned goods and accessories: mixed vegetables, canned pineapple and raisins.

Distribution is expected to launch during the first week of December 2026, pending final budget approval from the National Assembly. The distribution for public sales will be at different points in the country.