Senatorial candidate Panfilo Lacson, supported by the administration, is advocating for the Kadiwa ng Pangulo program to become a permanent fixture through new legislation. This initiative, a key project under President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., aims to tackle inflation by allowing direct sales from farmers and food producers to consumers, thus cutting out numerous intermediaries in the supply chain.
Speaking at a press conference in Iloilo City organized by the Alyansa Para sa Bagong Pilipinas, Lacson emphasized the potential of the Kadiwa program to lower prices significantly. He stated his intention to explore legislative measures to institutionalize the program, which would help in controlling inflation. The program facilitates the sale of essential agricultural products like rice, vegetables, fish, eggs, and meat at reduced prices, aligning with the president’s goals for food security and affordability.
Lacson highlighted the importance of local government units in enhancing the effectiveness of the program, suggesting that their involvement could streamline the process and eliminate the need for multiple middlemen. He believes that making the Kadiwa program a permanent initiative would help stabilize prices and ease inflationary pressures.
Former Senate president Vicente Sotto III expressed support for Lacson’s proposal, noting its compatibility with his own plan to have the government purchase 50 percent of the nation’s agricultural output. This, Sotto argued, would further support farmers and help stabilize food prices.
The Department of Agriculture has already implemented price reductions under the Kadiwa program, with rice prices dropping by PHP2 to PHP3 per kilogram starting February 12.