The Department of Agriculture (DA) has partnered with the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) to boost the expansion of the Kadiwa ng Pangulo (KNP) program.

The DA-DOLE partnership was formalized through a memorandum of understanding for the implementation of the KNP program and the DOLE Integrated Livelihood Program (DILP).

Under the partnership, additional manpower from DOLE will be provided as support for KNP operations.

“Through this partnership, we aim to create more sustainable livelihoods and improve access to affordable agricultural products,” Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. said in a statement on Friday.

“The KADIWA ng Pangulo, one of the flagship programs of the Marcos administration, continues to serve as a beacon of hope for Filipino communities. By forging partnerships like this, we ensure that its benefits reach even the most vulnerable sectors,” Tiu Laurel said.

The Kadiwa ng Pangulo, particularly the Rice for All and P29 programs, offers Filipinos access to cheaper rice and other agricultural commodities, such as vegetables, meat, and fish.

The Rice for All program refers to the sale of PHP40 per kg. of mixed local and imported well-milled rice to the general public, while the P29 program is the sale of aging but good quality stocks of National Food Authority (NFA) rice worth PHP29 per kg. to members of the vulnerable sector, including senior citizens, persons with disabilities (PWDs), members of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps), and solo parents.

Besides additional manpower for KNP operations, accredited suppliers and farmer cooperatives will also be linked to Kadiwa stores.

Technical assistance and capacity-building support will also be provided to beneficiaries, as well as a further expansion of the KNP and DILP programs.

The DA earlier said it aims to open about 300 KNP centers in 2025, and 1,500 by the end of the Marcos administration’s term in 2028. (PNA)