DA brings cheaper agri products to PNP, AFP headquarters

The Department of Agriculture (DA) has partnered with the Philippine National Police (PNP) and the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) to expand the Kadiwa ng Pangulo program.

In separate events on Friday, Agriculture Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel Jr. led the launch of Kadiwa ng Pangulo stores at the PNP headquarters in Camp Crame and the AFP headquarters in Camp Aguinaldo. PNP Chief Police General Rommel Marbil and AFP Chief of Staff General Romeo Brawner Jr. hosted the respective events.

Kadiwa ng Pangulo centers, which will sell affordable agricultural products such as rice, vegetables, and fruits, will be set up in select police and military camps nationwide.

“By eliminating middlemen, the Kadiwa stores ensure fair prices for farmers and lower costs for consumers,” Laurel said, emphasizing that this move brings the country closer to achieving a sustainable agricultural economy.

“If our country is food-secure—where supply is stable and prices are affordable—we will have a more stable nation,” AFP Chief of Staff Brawner said. PNP Chief Marbil echoed this sentiment.

The Kadiwa ng Pangulo program offers affordable rice through the Rice-for-All (RFA) initiative. Prices will decrease by P3: RFA5 (5 percent broken grains) will drop to P43 per kilo, RFA25 (25 percent broken) to P35, and RFA100 (100 percent broken) to P33. The program also provides rice at P29 per kilo for vulnerable groups, including senior citizens, persons with disabilities, solo parents, and indigents.

The program aims to address two major challenges: increasing market access for producers and offering affordable food for consumers.

“By linking farmers and fishers directly with institutional buyers like the PNP and AFP, Kadiwa promotes a more equitable agricultural ecosystem,” the DA said.