The Department of Agriculture (DA) has announced a new collaboration with the Philippine National Police (PNP) and the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) to expand the reach of the KADIWA ng Pangulo program, aimed at connecting local farmers and fishermen directly to consumers.
Agriculture Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel Jr. led the inauguration of KADIWA ng Pangulo stores at the PNP headquarters in Camp Crame and the AFP headquarters in Camp Aguinaldo, with PNP Chief Police General Rommel Marbil and AFP Chief of Staff General Romeo Brawner Jr. also in attendance.
This initiative, which will see KADIWA stores set up at select military and police camps nationwide, is designed to provide both PNP and AFP personnel and nearby communities with affordable, fresh agricultural products. With PNP and AFP employing a combined total of nearly 380,000 personnel, the move ensures a broad market for farmers and fishers, while directly benefiting the families and communities of uniformed personnel.
Secretary Tiu Laurel emphasized that the initiative aims to eliminate middlemen, ensuring better prices for producers and lower costs for consumers. “This program brings us closer to achieving a sustainable agricultural economy,” he said.
The program also addresses two key issues in the country’s food security efforts: improving market access for agricultural producers and providing affordable food to the public. By establishing direct links between local farmers, the military, and the police, KADIWA facilitates a more equitable distribution of food, ensuring that farmers are compensated fairly while consumers enjoy lower prices.
In addition to its economic benefits, the partnership underscores a key aspect of national stability, according to AFP Chief Brawner. He stressed the importance of food security in maintaining a stable nation, noting that affordable, accessible food for soldiers and their families strengthens overall security. PNP Chief Marbil added that the program reflects President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s deep commitment to the welfare of Filipino military and police personnel.
As the KADIWA ng Pangulo program expands, its policy implications extend beyond food security to fostering partnerships between government sectors. The collaboration between the DA, PNP, and AFP is a clear example of bayanihan in action, leveraging public service institutions to solve pressing national challenges while supporting local agriculture.
