The Department of Agriculture (DA) and the Philippine Postal Corp. (PHLPost) have signed a groundbreaking agreement to expand the reach of the government’s Kadiwa rolling store program, offering consumers easier access to affordable agricultural products.
In signing ceremonies at the DA headquarters in Quezon City on Thursday, Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. and Postmaster General Luis Carlos formalized the partnership. The collaboration will bring Kadiwa stores to 67 post office locations across Metro Manila and regions in Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao.
The expansion aims to increase the availability of essential goods—such as rice, vegetables, meat, and fish—directly from farmers and fisherfolk to consumers, cutting down on middlemen and lowering prices. With over 1,100 post offices across the country, PHLPost’s vast network will make it easier for consumers in both urban and rural areas to access affordable, quality food.
Luis Carlos emphasized that PHLPost’s logistical infrastructure, including distribution centers that have been operational for years, will enhance the efficiency of the Kadiwa rolling store program. “What will really drive the success of this initiative is our nationwide network and logistics support, potentially tapping into electronic commerce in the future,” Carlos said.
Under the agreement, the DA will provide technical and administrative support to ensure the smooth operation and monitoring of the Kadiwa stores. They will also ensure that the agricultural products sold meet food safety standards and that logistics such as storage and delivery are well-managed. Importantly, the new Kadiwa stores will not interfere with PHLPost’s core postal functions.
