More than 12 million Filipinos have benefitted from accessing cheaper agricultural commodities as the Kadiwa ng Pangulo (KNP) hit PHP4.42 billion in sales, the Department of Agriculture (DA) said on Wednesday.

In a statement, DA Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. said the milestone demonstrates a “win-win” situation for both food producers and consumers.

“KADIWA is proving that a stronger market for our farmers translates into more affordable food for Filipino families. By shortening the value chain, we reduce unnecessary costs while ensuring farmers earn more from what they produce,” he said.

According to the DA data, more than half of the total sales were logged in the PHP20 per kilogram of aging but good-quality local rice under the Benteng Bigas Meron (BBM) Na program.

At least 121,271 metric tons of rice have been sold under the BBM Na, amounting to PHP2.4 billion in sales generation.

Since its launch in May 2025, an estimated 12.1 million beneficiaries have enjoyed access to the affordable rice.

These include members of the vulnerable sectors, including senior citizens, persons with disabilities, solo parents, members of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino program (4Ps), minimum wage earners, public transport workers, indigents and registered farmers and fisherfolk.

For her part, DA Assistant Secretary and KNP head Genevieve Velicaria-Guevarra said the KNP has helped advance the administration’s food security agenda in line with the directives of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.

“Every bag of rice sold under the P20 Project represents more than affordability; it symbolizes the government’s commitment to ensuring that no Filipino is left behind while creating stronger, more resilient markets for our agricultural sector,” she said.

“As KADIWA continues to expand nationwide, we remain steadfast in our mission of making quality food accessible, empowering producers, and bringing the benefits of agricultural development directly to our consumers.”

On top of the access to cheaper rice, the KNP has also “evolved” into a nationwide farm-to-market platform as it reduces multiple layers of middlemen.

To date, the DA said 187 suppliers and consolidators are accredited, which directly provide market opportunities and linkage to farmers, fishers and agribusiness enterprises. (PNA)