DA to launch Kadiwa program in housing projects

(Center) Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel and NHA General Manager Joeben Tai (right) during the ceremonial signing of the memorandum of understanding (DA photo)

The Department of Agriculture (DA) is teaming up with the National Housing Authority (NHA) to bring the Kadiwa ng Pangulo (KNP) program to housing projects, ensuring greater access to affordable goods.

Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel formalized this partnership through a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with NHA General Manager Joeben Tai.

In a statement on Friday, March 21, Laurel said this agreement represents a crucial step in ensuring that every Filipino in housing communities can benefit from robust food security.

“Providing homes is essential, but true community development goes beyond shelter. It must also include sustainable food systems, livelihood opportunities, and economic stability,” he said.

The MOU establishes a framework to oversee the institutionalization of KNP stores across NHA projects nationwide.

Specifically, logistical and technical support will be provided to the NHA for setting up these stores.

The KNP, established under the Marcos administration, is part of the government’s efforts to grant farmers and fishermen direct access to venues where they can sell their produce straight to consumers.

By removing the so-called middlemen, farmers and fishermen can directly profit from their products while enabling consumers to purchase goods at lower prices. 

The Rice-for-All (RFA) program is a key component in the KNP, which offers rice for as low as ₱33 per kilo. This is alongside the rice priced at ₱29 per kilo, only available for the country's vulnerable sectors.

“The [KNP] program is not just an initiative, it is a concrete government action to directly address the agricultural and economic challenges our country faces today,” said Laurel.

Meanwhile, Tai said the MOU with the DA is a “strong demonstration” of the agency’s support for the KNP program. 

“This is our way of helping residents in NHA housing projects improve their daily lives,” he noted.