SCIENCE CITY OF MUÑOZ (PIA) — The Philippine Carabao Center (PCC), in partnership with the Department of Agriculture (DA) and local farmer cooperatives, officially opened the first two Kadiwa ng Pangulo (KNP) sa Dairy Box outlets in Central Luzon.
The newly opened outlets are located at Barangay Mulawin in Orani and Barangay San Ramon in Dinalupihan, both in the province of Bataan.
Each offers a product mix of 60 percent dairy items and 40 percent other agricultural goods, which aim to bring affordable, locally produced food closer to communities while directly linking farmers and producers to consumers.
This program supports President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive during his 2024 State of the Nation Address (SONA), emphasizing the vital role of Kadiwa in providing food access amid rising prices.
“Katuwang ang mga lokal na pamahalaan, dinadagdagan pa natin ang mga Kadiwa sa iba’t ibang panig ng bansa. Higit sa lahat, layunin nating gawing permanente rin, at mas madalas pa ang pagdaraos ng mga Kadiwa,” the President said during last year’s SONA.
The first outlet in Orani is operated in partnership with the Tapulao Multi-Purpose Cooperative (TMPC), while the second outlet, located in Dinalupihan, is managed in collaboration with the Makabagong Agrikultura ng Dinalupihan Marketing Cooperative.
TMPC Chairperson Pilipino Victor Cruz expressed pride in joining the program.
“Isang karangalan para sa aming kooperatiba na mapabilang sa programang ito na layuning palakasin ang produksyon ng gulay, gatas, bigas, at prutas, at maitaguyod ang kabuhayan ng mga magsasaka at maggagatas. Kami po ay nangangakong magpapatuloy sa pagbibigay ng de-kalidad na produkto,” he assured.
Meanwhile, PCC OIC-Deputy Executive Director Edwin Atabay thanked partners for their continued support, particularly to the KNP sa Dairy Box initiative.
He also congratulated the cooperatives, managers, and farmers for their role in making the project viable, highlighting the importance of unity in ensuring the program’s sustainability from production to profitability.
For his part, DA Regional Technical Director for Special Concerns Juanito Dela Cruz reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to strengthening farmer cooperatives and assisting vulnerable groups, including solo parents and pregnant women, through inclusive programs like Kadiwa.
The launch of the two outlets marks a milestone in realizing the administration’s goal of strengthening food systems, empowering rural communities, and fostering agricultural resilience. (CLJD/CNG, PIA 3- Nueva Ecija)
