MANILA — The Department of Agriculture (DA) announced on Tuesday its plan to set up 1,500 permanent Kadiwa stores across the Philippines, aiming to enhance food security and affordability through cooperative-run centers. These stores are part of a broader government initiative to provide accessible and affordable agricultural products directly from farmers and fishers to consumers.
According to Philippines News Agency, the move to establish permanent brick-and-mortar Kadiwa stores marks a significant shift from temporary pop-up stores to sustainable selling points. This strategy aligns with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s directive to bolster food security and support local producers. "Ang gagawin natin ay ile-level up natin from mere pop-up stores, gagawin nating permanent brick and mortar stores from all over the Philippines," Laurel stated during a post-State of the Nation Address (SONA) forum.
The transition to cooperative management is expected to foster honesty in pricing and operations, curbing profiteering by ensuring that profits return to the producers. "Ang plano natin is maging cooperative-run ito eventually. So iyong mga farmers at fishers mismo ay makaka-diretso sa consumers para lumaki ang kita ng farmers at fisherman at bumaba naman ang bilihin," Laurel explained.
The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) has committed to mobilizing local government units to support the establishment and operation of these Kadiwa stores, which will contribute to the administration's goals of food security and economic development.
In addition to retail innovations, Secretary Laurel expressed optimism about achieving growth in agri-fishery production despite challenges such as the El Niño phenomenon and potential impacts from La Niña. The government's investment in irrigation infrastructure, such as solar irrigation projects, is poised to boost production significantly. "We have more irrigated lands as mentioned by the President. In Jalaur, 32,000 hectares and another 45,000 hectares na nabigyan ng solar irrigation that will definitely increase production," he noted.
Addressing concerns about the impact of reduced tariffs on rice imports, Laurel reassured that the change is unlikely to lead to significant increases in rice importation, attributing potential rises to market demand rather than tariff adjustments. The Philippines recently lowered the tariff on imported rice from 35% to 15%, under Executive Order No. 62, aiming to stabilize domestic prices and supply.
As the country moves forward with these agricultural and economic initiatives, the DA remains committed to supporting local producers and ensuring stable food prices for Filipino consumers.