‘Kadiwa ng Pangulo’ launched amid high food prices

MANILA, Philippines — In response to soaring food prices, President Marcos launched yesterday the “Kadiwa ng Pangulo” program to provide Filipinos across the country with fresh and affordable agricultural and fishery products.

In a speech during the program’s launch in Cebu City, the President, who also serves as Department of Agriculture (DA) secretary, said this would not only help Filipinos cope with the effects of rising food prices but also increase the income of local farmers, fisherfolk and small enterprises.

Marcos cited the success of the “Kadiwa ng Pasko,” which he launched during the Christmas season.

“We will continue to do this (Kadiwa stores), we will add more, expand. It is important to put up more of these especially in areas where people cannot afford the prices in the markets,” the President said in Filipino.

“So this is our answer to the food crisis and price increase.”

Inflation in January hit 8.7 percent, the highest since November 2008 and faster than the 8.1 percent inflation in December.

This was higher than the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas’ estimate of 7.5 to 8.3 percent.

National Economic and Development Authority director general Arsenio Balisacan earlier said the government is focusing on aid for the poor and vulnerable sectors as the government has “limited fiscal space.”

The Kadiwa program is a farm-to-consumer market chain. It allows local producers to generate higher income by selling their produce directly to consumers.

The President said there are more than 500 Kadiwa stores throughout the country.

The Kadiwa market, introduced during the term of Marcos’ late father, former president Ferdinand Marcos Sr., aims to provide a market for local farmers and fishermen and small business enterprises selling produce and basic necessities.

Marcos earlier said the revival of his father’s Kadiwa program is part of his strategies as agriculture secretary to help the ordinary people amid the rising prices of commodities.

‘Kadiwa para sa Manggagawa’

Meanwhile, the Chief Executive bared the government’s plan to launch the Kadiwa para sa Manggagawa, which will be led by the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE).

“Our DOLE secretary (Bienvenido Laguesma) is also here, he is here because we are going to create a Kadiwa for Manggagawa, it will really focus on our workers so that they too will have an opportunity,” Marcos said but did not elaborate.

The President lauded the efforts of various government agencies behind the Kadiwa program such as the DOLE, Department of Trade and Industry, Department of the Interior and Local Government, Department of Social Welfare and Development and the local government of Cebu.

At least 50 exhibitors participated in the two-day Kadiwa caravan at the Cebu Provincial Capitol Grounds where consumers can buy rice at P25 per kilo, fish and agricultural products and some of Cebu’s popular delicacies and handicrafts.

Red onions are being sold at the Kadiwa store in Cebu City at P190 per kilo.

In a media interview last month, Marcos said the country’s agriculture sector is facing multifaceted problems as demand overtook production.