The Department of Agriculture (DA) has partnered with the Philippine National Police (PNP) and the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) to boost the expansion of the Kadiwa ng Pangulo (KNP) program, ensuring wider access to affordable goods.

In separate events on Friday, Feb. 21, Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel led the launch of KNP stores at the PNP headquarters in Camp Crame and the AFP headquarters in Camp Aguinaldo.

According to the DA, more Kadiwa stores will be set up in select police and military camps across the country.

The program will be targeting about 228,000 PNP personnel, 150,000 AFP members, and nearby communities.

Established under the Marcos administration, KNP is part of the government’s efforts to provide farmers and fishermen with direct access to spaces where they can sell their produce directly to consumers.

Eliminating the intermediaries, or so-called middlemen, would mean that farmers directly earn from their products while enabling consumers to buy goods at affordable prices.

A key feature of KNP is the Rice-for-All (RFA) program, where consumers can buy rice as low as ₱38 per kilo. This is alongside the ₱29 rice which is available for the country’s vulnerable sectors.

“This program embodies the government’s commitment to inclusive development and food security…This setup not only allows farmers and fisherfolk to earn better prices for their hard work, but also ensures that the quality products reach the consumers at an affordable cost,” Laurel said in his speech at Camp Crame.

“It’s a win-win solution for both sectors, paving the way for a more equitable and sustainable agriculture economy,” he added.

The DA chief said having institutional buyers like the PNP and the AFP has paved the path for other government agencies to participate in KNP.

“The collaboration highlights a spirit of bayanihan that drives this program forward,” he underscored.

AFP Chief of Staff General Romeo Brawner Jr. expressed optimism about the DA’s efforts, emphasizing that being food-secure results in a more stable nation.

Meanwhile, PNP Chief Police General Rommel Marbil said the expansion of KNP is a testament to President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.’s commitment to the welfare and well-being of uniformed personnel.