Marcos urges revival of Kadiwa system

MANILA, Philippines – Sen. Ferdinand Marcos is seeking the revival of the Kadiwa store system to arrest the skyrocketing prices of basic goods and commodities and help farmers get the best prices for their crops.

The Kadiwa concept was introduced by the senator’s father, deposed president Marcos, to help bring down the prices of agricultural commodities.

Former president Joseph Estrada implemented the program during his brief term in 1998.

“The Kadiwa system enabled the public to buy goods at cheaper rates and the farmers to sell their crops without having to worry about transportation costs, eliminating the middle men who force prices up.”  Marcos said.

For prices to stay steady, Marcos said the government should buy the goods when the supply is excessive and sell them when stocks are inadequate.

Marcos emphasized the need to save the “dying” agricultural sector in the country in the face of the ASEAN integration.

He scored the current system in government, which he said, is more focused on importation rather than giving priority to the needs of the farmers.