The government's Kadiwa program continues to face productivity issues, President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. said. President Ferdinand 'Bongbong' Marcos Jr. (Noel Pabalate)
Marcos said on Tuesday, June 20, that in order to keep the Kadiwa stores running in the country, production problems must be solved. "Productivity. The problem of the Kadiwa program now is production, supply. Kulang ang production natin kaya (We lack in production)," the President said in a media interview. "Kaya ang kailangan ang bubuhay sa Kadiwa ay ang (What will keep Kadiwa alive is) increased production of all agricultural commodities," he added. In his speech at the 125th founding anniversary celebration on Tuesday, June 20, Marcos said the Department of Agriculture (DA) must pay attention to increasing productivity, climate change, diminishing natural resources, at nagbabago rin ang ating market in order to improve the country's agricultural performance. There are currently more than 300 Kadiwa stores around the country. Kadiwa is a farm-to-consumer market chain program under the DA that eliminates intermediaries, allowing local producers to sell directly to consumers at affordable prices. At Kadiwa stores, rice is sold at P25 per kilo and sugar at P70 per kilo. Other agricultural products like vegetables, egg, and fruits are also among the commodities sold in Kadiwa stores.