Bicol: Residents of Bicol will gain more access to the Kadiwa ng Pangulo program following an agreement to sell affordable products inside police camps across the region every Tuesday.
According to Philippines News Agency, the Police Regional Office in Bicol (PRO-5) signed a memorandum of understanding with various national government agencies to enhance the program implementation and support the 'Agraryo Merkado sa Kampo' at Camp Simeon Ola. PRO-5 Director Brig. Gen. Andre Dizon stated that the move addresses issues like inflation, food security, and poverty.
"By streamlining distribution systems and reducing market layers, the program helps ensure price stability and a reliable supply of essential commodities across designated venues in PNP (Philippine National Police) communities. It also emphasizes the government's whole-of-nation approach to strengthening local food systems and empowering agricultural stakeholders," Dizon said in his message.
The inter-agency initiative also aims to enhance the involvement of Agrarian Reform Beneficiary Organizations in promoting direct and efficient farm-to-market linkages with local farmers and consumers within the camps. Police officers, their families, and the surrounding communities will benefit from improved access to affordable, high-quality agri-fishery products, including rice, vegetables, meat, poultry, fish, and other essential items available for sale inside the camp.
In a separate interview, Department of Labor and Employment-Bicol (DOLE-5) Director Imelda Gatinao mentioned that agrarian reform beneficiaries would be included in the Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers Program during their involvement in the Kadiwa program. "Our participants in the program at Camp Ola will receive a salary. For each market display, which will take place every Tuesday, their participation will be considered in their salary calculation. This arrangement will continue until November or December, with financial support for the 48 beneficiaries amounting to approximately PHP406,000," Gatinao said.
Marjury Loria Loseno, a member of the Miisi Farmers Association, expressed her gratitude to the government for the program, which gives them a direct way to sell their products. The memorandum of understanding was signed in partnership with the Department of Agriculture, Department of Agrarian Reform, Department of Trade and Industry, DOLE, National Irrigation Administration, and Albay Provincial Agricultural Office.
