The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) reaffirmed its commitment to support President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s vision of achieving food security for all Filipinos.
In a statement released on Tuesday, the DILG stated that it will persist in implementing policies and programs backing the “Kadiwa ng Pangulo” initiative to make food accessible and affordable.
To expand the reach of the program, the DILG plans to enhance cooperation between national and local governments by establishing regular Kadiwa Centers in various localities. This will enable more Filipinos, particularly the underserved, to benefit from the initiative.
Interior Secretary Benhur Abalos emphasized the significance of the Kadiwa program in swiftly addressing food insecurity and introducing nutritious food options to malnourished populations. He also encouraged all local chief executives to set up Kadiwa stalls in their respective barangays and collaborate with civil society organizations and the private sector, adopting a “whole-of-nation” approach to ensure food security.
“The Kadiwa program is an important measure that quickly responds to food insecurity and is also a useful measure to introduce high-nutrient foods to malnourished populations. That is why the DILG, in partnership with the local government units (LGUs) and concerned national government agencies (NGAs), aims to bring this initiative down to our communities so we will be able to reach more Filipinos, especially the poor,” Abalos said.
The Kadiwa Program operates as a farm-to-consumer market chain, eliminating intermediaries and allowing local producers to directly sell their produce to consumers at affordable prices.
Additionally, the DILG reported the successful allocation of over 881 hectares of land for community gardening in 19,188 barangays across the nation under the Halina’t Magtanim ng Prutas at Gulay (HAPAG) sa Barangay Project.
Earlier this year, the initiative was launched to encourage barangays and households to cultivate fresh, healthy, and affordable fruits and vegetables in their backyards and communal spaces.
“The DILG will remain a staunch supporter of the overarching goals of the Marcos administration in building an inclusive society where no one is hungry and where Filipinos live long and healthy lives,” Abalos concluded.
