President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Saturday personally checked a National Food Authority warehouse in Valenzuela City to see if it can supply enough rice to the Kadiwa stores during the holiday season.

The President said he wants to ensure that rice is being sold at cheaper prices in all Kadiwa outlets.

"This is already the season that we bring out more rice, so we want to make sure that Kadiwa stores have enough commodities that can be sold at a good price of P25," he said in Filipino.

"I am checking the source of rice being sold at Kadiwa stores. So, I checked the warehouse to know if there is enough supply," he added, noting that there are additional supplies coming in.

In a particular Kadiwa store at the Malanday Covered Court, shallots were priced at P150 per kilo while native onions were sold at P170 per kilo.

The Kadiwa ng Pasko project aims to help local farmers earn more through a direct farm-to-consumer food supply chain that eliminates marketing layers.

Marcos said he is elated over the launching of the Kadiwa ng Pasko caravan in Valenzuela City, the latest addition to the increasing number of Kadiwa centers with more than 350 sites across the country.

Marcos reiterated his vow to continue the implementation of the Kadiwa ng Pasko project even beyond the Yuletide season.

"The Kadiwa ng Pasko project is our way of helping to give you a merrier Christmas this year," Marcos said.

"Even after Christmas, we will continue the project so our countrymen will have access to more affordable goods," he added.

The President expressed his gratitude to all those who participated in the program, especially the owners of micro, small and medium enterprises.

Mr. Marcos said he is coming up with a plan to eradicate the smuggling of onion in the county amid the continuous rise in prices of basic commodities.

"As quickly as possible, we are looking for a way because usually, you have to file a case first before conducting an auction. It takes time," Marcos said.

"By the time you make an auction, you can no longer sell onions… That's why we have to address it immediately and sell all the onions in the market," he added.