DA-AMAS ties up with farmers cooperatives to expedite KADIWA ng Pangulo expansion

The Agribusiness Marketing Assistance Service, the marketing arm of the Department of Agriculture and the division in-charge of the KADIWA ng Pangulo program, is partnering with several farmer and fisherfolk cooperatives to establish KADIWA outlets across the country.

This initiative aims to expedite the expansion of the KADIWA ng Pangulo program, which provides affordable food and basic goods to Filipinos, particularly the vulnerable sectors, while allowing farmers to sell their produce directly to consumers.

After the signing of the memorandum of agreement with farmer’s groups, DA Assistant Secretary Genevieve E. Velicaria-Guevarra said the DA decided to launch the cooperative-led KADIWA ng Pangulo stores to quickly spread the program’s benefits to the most number of Filipinos.

“We also want our farmers and fisherfolk to get more value for their products, securing for them more income that will incentivize them to produce more. This partnership demonstrates the Filipino “bayanihan” spirit where the government and private sector collaborate, a tie-up that is crucial in the implementation of government programs,” she said.

Asec Guevarra said the instructions of Agriculture Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel, Jr. is to open KADIWA ng Pangulo centers “in every town and city of the country to help relieve ordinary Filipino consumers of their financial burden, provide them with affordable and nutritious food, and leave extra money in their pockets for other expenses.”

An initial batch of 20 Kadiwa stores is set to be launched on Friday, October 11, in various locations throughout Metro Manila and in Calamba, Laguna. These stores represent a key component of President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr.’s flagship program designed to improve food accessibility for Filipinos, particularly those in need.

Unlike existing KADIWA stores that operate only 2-3 days a week, the new outlets will be open seven days a week.

Led by cooperatives like the Pantao Fisherfolks Consumers Cooperative and SRT Alcala Multi-purpose Cooperative, the stores will supply essential commodities, including the P43 a rice under the Rice-for-All program and the P29 per kilo rice aimed at senior citizens, solo