Kadiwa ng Pangulo to be opened in VisMin

MANILA, Philippines — Several Kadiwa ng Pangulo stores will be opened in the Visayas and Mindanao next month to sell rice at P29 per kilo and other basic commodities at an affordable price.

Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. yesterday said the government is aiming to open at least 60 Kadiwa stores across the country next month, to give Filipinos access to affordable agricultural products.

Tiu Laurel said the move was part of a broader plan to offer farm produce, including rice, at a lower price in Metro Manila and the rest of Luzon.

He said the Department of Agriculture intends to open Kadiwa stores in every municipality.

Aside from helping consumers, the program also provides farmers’ cooperatives and associations with a venue to market their produce.

“We have identified at least 650 sites for the Kadiwa ng Pangulo stores. But in order to achieve the 1,500 target, we need to open at least one store a day, which is almost impossible. That’s why we need the help of the private sector,” he said.

Tiu Laurel said the DA is talking to food manufacturers to supply Kadiwa stores with basic goods, including canned goods, cooking oil, condiments and fresh fish and poultry.