The Department of Agriculture (DA) and agri-based powerhouse Sorosoro Ibaba Development Cooperative (SIDC) launched 15 new KADIWA ng Pangulo outlets across Batangas on Thursday, introducing the P20-per-kilo “Benteng Bigas, Meron Na!” rice program in the province.

The strategic rollout is part of the national government’s broader push to make affordable food more accessible to low-income Filipino households, with the program targeting around 15 million households, or about 60 million Filipinos, by the end of 2026.

SIDC, regarded as one of the largest and most trusted agricultural cooperatives in the Philippines, plays a pivotal role in the provincial distribution of affordable rice through its network.

“These KADIWA outlets represent a meaningful step toward our shared goal of ensuring safe, sufficient, and affordable food on every Filipino table,” said Assistant Secretary for Agribusiness, Marketing, and Consumer Affairs Atty. Bebang Guevarra, who also leads the KADIWA program.

“With SIDC’s support, we are strengthening the foundations of a ‘Masaganang Bagong Pilipinas’.”

The newly opened KADIWA sa SIDC sites are located in key communities across Batangas, including the SIDC Main Office in Sorosoro Ibaba, Lipa City Proper, Brgy. Alangilan, San Pascual, Bauan, and 10 other barangays. These hubs are open to the public, with priority access given to vulnerable sectors such as 4Ps beneficiaries, solo parents, senior citizens, and persons with disabilities.

Beyond the subsidized rice, the outlets also offer a range of fresh produce, poultry, meat, eggs, and other essential goods, connecting local farmers directly to consumers and minimizing distribution layers that often drive up prices.

“On behalf of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr., we sincerely thank SIDC. Your partnership in this KADIWA initiative and the launch of P20 rice here in Batangas unlocks numerous opportunities for both our farmers and consumers,” Guevarra added.

As of 10 July, there are 721 active KADIWA sites nationwide, forming a growing retail network that seeks to balance market forces in favor of Filipino producers and end-users.