By Rjay Castor
The provincial and local government units (LGUs) in Western Visayas joined the nationwide simultaneous launching of the “Kadiwa ng Pangulo” through the opening of stores that feature affordable products from local farmers and micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs).
In Iloilo, Governor Arthur Defensor, Jr. and representatives from government offices led the opening of the outlet at the covered walkway of the Iloilo Provincial Capitol grounds.
Defensor said the initiative aligns with the “MoRProGRes Iloilo” development thrust, a provincial initiative aimed at fostering sustainable rural progress and development.
Around 34 farmers exhibitors from the Farmers’ Cooperative Associations and MSME organizations in the province are currently showcasing fresh and affordable farm products at the Capitol grounds until July 21.
The Provincial Government of Antique also participated in the national launch, organizing a one-day event at the Tennis Court of EBJ Freedom Park. This event featured 30 exhibitors from various municipalities.
Meanwhile, more than 61 local farmers and fisherfolk participated in the launch at the Aklan Provincial Capitol in Kalibo, Aklan.
Other Kadiwa centers also opened in the Provincial Park in Roxas City, Capiz; Guimaras Capitol Grounds in Jordan, Guimaras; and the Food Terminal Market in Negros Occidental.
Some Kadiwa stores are also selling rice at P25 per kilogram. It can be recalled that
During the 2022 presidential race, reducing the price of rice to P20 per kilo was one of the campaign promises of President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr.
According to the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) regional office, the Kadiwa outlets so far have generated around P774,000 in sales.
The Department of Agriculture (DA), Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), and other government agencies on Monday, July 17, signed a memorandum of agreement (MOA) to establish “Kadiwa ng Pangulo” outlets in all local government units across the country.
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., who serves as the concurrent agriculture secretary, witnessed the MOA signing in San Fernando City, Pampanga.
The MOA seeks to expand the KNP throughout the country to ensure food security by enabling farmers to sell directly to consumers by removing market layers and reinvigorating job creation by establishing additional markets for farmers, fisherfolks, and micro enterprises to sell locally produced agri-fishery products and basic necessities.
According to Malacañang, the simultaneous launch of the program saw participation from all 81 provinces.
“The Kadiwa ng Pangulo centers shall be facilitated by the concerned agencies every 15 and 30 of the month, where local farmers are to sell their produce to their consumers at an affordable price. Produce such as rice, fish, poultry, vegetables, fruits, livestock, and other basic commodities, shall be made accessible and affordable to the marginalized,” the Palace said in a statement.
