Gatchalian urges expansion of Kadiwa stores to cushion impact of global crisis
MANILA – Senator Sherwin Gatchalian has called on the Department of Agriculture (DA) to expand the reach of Kadiwa stores to help vulnerable sectors cope with rising food prices amid the ongoing Middle East crisis.
Gatchalian emphasized that the expansion should prioritize geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas (GIDAs), ensuring that essential goods remain accessible to senior citizens, solo parents, persons with disabilities (PWDs), and beneficiaries of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps).
He stressed that affordable food should not be limited to urban centers, but must reach even the most remote communities, as the effects of global instability are being felt nationwide.
The senator highlighted the importance of the Kadiwa ng Pangulo initiative, particularly its Rice for All Program, which enables the government to procure palay from local farmers and sell rice at lower prices to consumers.
According to Gatchalian, expanding the program will not only ease the burden on households but also strengthen the agricultural sector by providing farmers with a stable and guaranteed market for their produce.
The proposal forms part of the recommendations of the Senate’s Proactive Response and Oversight for Timely and Effective Crisis Strategy (PROTECT) Committee, which he currently chairs.
Kadiwa ng Pangulo, one of the flagship programs of the administration of Ferdinand Marcos Jr., aims to address rising food costs by creating direct market channels between producers and consumers. The initiative allows farmers, fisherfolk, and micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) to sell their goods directly, reducing intermediary costs and improving income opportunities.
NPO News Team | Philippine News Agency - PR
