By Othel V. Campos

The Department of Agriculture (DA), in partnership with the Sorosoro Ibaba Development Cooperative (SIDC), rolled out the “Benteng Bigas, Meron Na!” initiative across 15 newly-opened KADIWA ng Pangulo outlets in Batangas province on Thursday.

SIDC, one of the country’s largest agri-based cooperatives, plays a central role in the distribution of subsidized rice throughout strategic locations in the province.

“This is about ensuring food security and empowering local farmers. With the support of SIDC, we are moving closer to our goal of bringing safe, sufficient, and affordable food to every Filipino table,” said DA assistant secretary for agribusiness, marketing and consumer affairs Bebang Guevarra, who also heads the KADIWA program.

The Batangas outlet forms part of the national scale-up strategy to reach around 15 million households, or about 60 million Filipinos, by the end of 2026.

The 15 newly operational KADIWA sa SIDC outlets are located in key areas across Batangas, including SIDC’s main office in Sorosoro Ibaba as well as various barangays in Batangas City, Lipa City, San Pascual and Bauan.

While open to all, the outlets will prioritize beneficiaries of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps), senior citizens, solo parents and persons with disabilities for access to the P20-per-kilogram rice.

The outlets also offer other essential goods such as vegetables, poultry, meat, eggs and other basic food items, sourced directly from local farmers and producers to keep prices low and eliminate middlemen.

As of July 10, 2025, there are 721 active KADIWA sites nationwide, strengthening the direct linkage between producers and consumers and helping increase incomes for local farmers while lowering food costs for communities.

The DA said it would continue to expand the program through partnerships with local governments, other national agencies, cooperatives and the private sector.

Published Date: July 11, 2025