By Connie Calipay
LEGAZPI CITY – The Kadiwa ng Pangulo (KNP) has opened store outlets at the provincial police offices in Camarines Sur, Sorsogon and Catanduanes for the members of the Bicol police and their families to enjoy affordable and fresh agricultural products.
The Kadiwa ng Pangulo is a flagship program of the Marcos administration aimed at improving food accessibility and supporting local agricultural enterprises by connecting producers directly to consumers.
In an interview, Bicol Police Regional Office (PRO-5) spokesperson Lt. Col. Malu Calubaquib said the KNP stores were recently launched simultaneously at Camp Colonel Juan Querubin Miranda in Camarines Sur; Camp Salvador Escudero Sr. in Sorsogon, and Camp Francisco Camacho in Catanduanes.
Aside from the three provinces, Kadiwa stores will also soon open in Masbate on April 23; and Albay and Camarines Norte on April 30.
Calubaquib said the Kadiwa stores will also be open to the public every 15th and 30th of the month, from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., and will be adjusted accordingly if the dates fall on a weekend to ensure maximum accessibility for both vendors and consumers.
“The initiative started with a memorandum of agreement with the regional office of the Department of Agriculture in Bicol (DA-5). This is also our commitment to secure not just the safety but also to help in food security of our people. The partner farmer groups will have direct buyers,” she said.
Calubaquib added that all provincial offices have likewise already scheduled the opening of Kadiwa stores in their respective camps.
Partner agencies and stakeholders such as the National Irrigation Administration, Department of Labor and Employment, Department of Trade and Industry, and the Philippine National Police (PNP) were also represented during the KNP launch in Naga City, Camarines Sur.
In his message, Col. Virgilio Olalia Jr., Camarines Sur Police Provincial Director, described the KNP not merely as a marketplace but as a symbol of cooperation and compassion among government institutions, working together to uplift members of one of the most vital sectors in society — the farmers.
Olalia added that letting the PNP camp to host the KNP shows that the camp serves not only as a gateway for security and public order but also for livelihood and community empowerment.
A total of 11 exhibitors participated in the launch in Camarines Sur.
Representing DA Regional Executive Director Rodel Tornilla, Kadiwa ng Pangulo focal person Alden Jesus Ragay shared the background of the program’s institutionalization.
Ragay encouraged everyone to continuously support local farmers and the agriculture sector by patronizing local products, as this is crucial to realizing the shared vision of a Masaganang Bagong Pilipinas. (PNA)