President Bongbong Marcos Jr. Launches Kadiwa Program to Provide Direct Market for Farmers and MSMEs, Aims to Achieve Affordable Rice Prices and Improve Food Security in the Philippines

President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. remains optimistic that his dream of making rice available for P20 per kilo will become a reality. The President expressed this during the launch of Kadiwa Ng Pangulo in Pili, Camarines Sur, which aims to provide farmers, fishermen, and MSMEs a direct market for their products. In his speech, Marcos acknowledged that the price of rice remains at P25 per kilo and is slowly moving closer to his target of P20. The Kadiwa stalls across the country offer rice at P25 per kilo to provide consumers with cheaper basic commodities.

PHOTO COURTESY: AOL/RSJ, GMA Integrated News

President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. remains optimistic that his dream of making rice available for P20 per kilo will become a reality. The President expressed this during the launch of Kadiwa Ng Pangulo in Pili, Camarines Sur, which aims to provide farmers, fishermen, and MSMEs a direct market for their products. In his speech, Marcos acknowledged that the price of rice remains at P25 per kilo and is slowly moving closer to his target of P20. The Kadiwa stalls across the country offer rice at P25 per kilo to provide consumers with cheaper basic commodities.

Marcos campaigned on the promise of reducing rice prices to as low as P20 per kilo, and he believes that this can be achieved by fixing the value chain involved in producing a product or service that is sold to consumers, with each stage adding value to the product or service. However, Albay 2nd District Representative Joey Salceda, an economist, previously said that while lowering rice prices to P20 is possible, it would come at the expense of other sectors in the country.

During the Kadiwa trade fair at Barangay Palestina in Pili town, 20 exhibitors or Kadiwa partners are expected to sell their products. Three farmers' cooperatives, four MSMEs, three individual young farmers, the National Food Authority, and the Bureau of Fish and Aquatic Resources will also offer seafood products at a lower price.

When asked about the sustainability of Kadiwa, Marcos stressed the importance of production to avoid importation and strengthen the production side. He also said that the Department of Agriculture should be converted to a "hightech operation" to increase production.

The Kadiwa Ng Pangulo project aims to improve the supply chain of agricultural products and provide more direct access for both producers and consumers. Through the Kadiwa program, farmers and fishermen can sell their products directly to consumers, bypassing the traditional middlemen and reducing the prices of basic commodities.

The project also seeks to help MSMEs in selling their products by giving them a platform to showcase and sell their items. By doing so, they can expand their reach and increase their income.

In addition to the Kadiwa stalls, the Department of Agriculture has launched other programs to help Filipino farmers and fishermen, such as the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (RCEF) and the Enhanced Kadiwa ni Ani at Kita.

The RCEF is a five-year program that aims to improve the competitiveness of Filipino rice farmers by providing them with the necessary support, such as farm machinery and equipment, high-quality seeds, and training programs. The Enhanced Kadiwa ni Ani at Kita, on the other hand, is a program that aims to strengthen the food supply chain by connecting farmers and fisherfolk directly to consumers and institutional buyers.

Despite the government's efforts to reduce the price of rice, several factors, such as weather disturbances and inflation, can still affect the cost of basic commodities. However, the government remains committed to finding ways to make basic necessities more affordable and accessible to the Filipino people.

In addition to the Kadiwa program and other initiatives, the Philippine government has also implemented measures to ensure food security and reduce the country's reliance on food imports. One such measure is the "Plant, Plant, Plant" program, which aims to boost food production by providing support and assistance to farmers, fisherfolk, and other stakeholders in the agriculture sector.

Under the program, the government has allocated funds to provide farmers with seeds, fertilizers, and other inputs to increase their production. The program also includes the establishment of urban agriculture sites, the promotion of backyard gardening, and the creation of agribusiness hubs.

Moreover, the government has also strengthened its efforts to improve the country's irrigation systems, which is essential to boosting agriculture production. Through the National Irrigation Administration (NIA), the government has implemented various projects to rehabilitate and construct irrigation facilities, including small-scale communal irrigation systems and large-scale national irrigation systems.

The Philippines has a vast potential for agriculture, with its fertile lands and abundant natural resources. However, the sector has been facing various challenges, including climate change, land-use conversion, and low productivity. The government's initiatives seek to address these challenges and promote sustainable agriculture practices to ensure food security and increase farmers' incomes.

Despite these efforts, challenges remain in achieving the goal of providing affordable and accessible basic commodities for all Filipinos. The government continues to work with various stakeholders to find solutions and improve the country's agriculture sector.

Reference link: Marcos still hopeful of lowering rice prices to P20/kilo (msn.com)