A proposed bill that would help not just farmers and fisherfolks but also consumers in the midst of the country's rising inflation rate has resurfaced in the House of Representatives.

House Bill 3957, otherwise known as the "Kadiwa Agri-Food Terminal Bill," was first introduced in September but is being introduced anew due to the inflation rate's jump to 7.7 percent — the highest since December 2008.

The proposed measure would establish Kadiwa Agri-Food Terminals in every city and municipality to link farmers and fisherfolk directly to consumers, who would then be able to avail the products within their communities at prices usually cheaper by 10 to 20 percent.

It also seeks to open more outlets across the country since not everyone has access to Kadiwa centers.

Started in 2019, the "Kadiwa ni Ani at Kita Program" is an initiative of the Department of Agriculture launched by former Agriculture Secretary William Dar.

The bill's author, AGRI Partylist Rep. Wilbert Lee, has urged the House to immediately pass the measure.

"Amid the rising prices of food, the scaling up of innovative solutions cannot be overemphasized. One of the successful initiatives is the establishment of Kadiwa centers to make food products affordable," he said.

"With the quick inflation, our consumers are left with a heavier burden. This includes our farmers and fishermen, who earn very little yet are still troubled by the rising price of goods," he added.

Should it be passed into law, the legislation will formalize a program to develop a nationwide system of agricultural and fishery food terminals with the DA, working closely with the local governments tasked with establishing and managing these terminals.

"We have seen how our compatriots support the Kadiwa centers that whirl in different parts of the country. Consumers also flocked to the 'Kadiwa ng Pasko' project of the Office of the President in Sta. Cruz, Manila because of the cheaper agricultural products sold there from farmer cooperatives," Lee said.