DA inks deal with PNP, AFP for Kadiwa centers

CEBU, Philippines — The Kadiwa ng Pangulo Centers will soon be set up in selected police and military camps across the country, following the signing of a memorandum of agreement by the Department of Agriculture with the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Philippine National Police for the program's expansion.

AFP Chief of Staff Romeo Brawner Jr. welcomed DA’s effort to address the needs of Filipino soldiers and their families, particularly in providing fresh and affordable food.

“If our country is food-secure—where supply is stable and prices are affordable—we will have a more stable nation,” Brawner said.

PNP Chief Rommel Francisco Marbil echoed Brawner’s statement, saying the initiative is a testament to genuine concern of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. for the welfare and well-being of the men in uniform.

Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel thanked the PNP and AFP leadership for their collaboration, highlighting that this partnership embodied the spirit of bayanihan.

As Kadiwa expanded nationwide, Laurel said it presented a sustainable solution that will benefit all sectors.

The program tackled two major challenges: increasing market access for producers and offering affordable food for consumers.

By linking farmers and fishers directly with institutional buyers like the PNP and AFP, Kadiwa promotes a more equitable agricultural ecosystem.

Farmers and fishermen are provided with direct access to markets where they can sell their produce to consumers.

“By eliminating middlemen, the Kadiwa stores ensure fair prices for farmers and lower costs for consumers,” said Laurel.

The Kadiwa ng Pangulo centers that will be set up in selected police and military camps is expected to offer the PNP and AFP personnel and residents in surrounding communities access to affordable, fresh agricultural products while simultaneously supporting local farmers and fishers.

The PNP employs around 228,000 personnel, while the AFP has about 150,000 members.

“This initiative brings us closer to achieving a sustainable agricultural economy,” said Laurel.

Earlier, Laurel also led the separate launch of Kadiwa ng Pangulo stores at the PNP headquarters in Camp Crame and the AFP headquarters in Camp Aguinaldo.