THE Department of Agriculture (DA) said it hopes to expand its KADIWA network of direct-to-consumer food stores to the Visayas and Mindanao by September.
“We expect to have at least 60 KADIWA stores across the country next month to provide greater access to affordably priced agricultural products,” Agriculture Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel, Jr. said in a statement on Sunday.
Mr. Laurel added that the government-subsidized stores in the new locations will feature the P29 per kilogram rice program, targeted at vulnerable segments of society.
He added that the agency had identified about 650 potential locations in the Visayas and Mindanao to set up KADIWA stores.
The ultimate goal is a store network of 1,500 outlets.
“For us to reach the 1,500 target we need to open at least one store a day, which is almost impossible. That’s why we need the private sector’s collaboration in this project,” he said.
KADIWA provides farm cooperatives and associations an opportunity to sell directly to consumers, maximizing their returns by cutting out middlemen.
It added that the DA is planning to invite food manufacturers to offer canned sardines, cooking oil, and condiments in KADIWA stores.
“We’re also talking to manufacturers of other basic goods like condiments, sugar and canned goods to help ease the financial challenges faced by consumers,” Mr. Laurel said. — Adrian H. Halili
