Manila: The Department of Agriculture (DA) and the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) have joined forces to employ workers for the broader rollout of the Kadiwa ng Pangulo (KNP) programs. This initiative also aligns with the goal of expanding the PHP20 per kilogram rice offering under the Benteng Bigas Meron (BBM) Na project.

According to Philippines News Agency, DA Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. and DOLE Secretary Bienvenido Laguesma formalized this collaboration through a memorandum of agreement. This partnership is designed to support local farmers and consumers, as directed by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. Tiu Laurel highlighted that this collaboration will enable DOLE to provide the additional workforce needed by the DA, estimating the requirement of 6,000 workers for 3,000 KNP outlets.

DOLE plans to recruit workers through the Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers (TUPAD) program. Beyond the 6,000 KNP operators, there is a need for at least 1,000 personnel to manage logistics, including roles such as drivers and porters. However, Laguesma noted that the exact number of TUPAD workers required for KNP is still under consideration, given the program's guidelines on employment duration.

The partnership is also set to provide more minimum wage earners with access to PHP20 rice through the BBM Na initiative. The target is to increase the reach from an initial 120,000 to between 500,000 and 600,000 workers by the end of the year, as requested by Secretary Laguesma.

In its initial phase on June 13, BBM Na benefitted around 16,000 minimum wage earners across approximately 100 establishments nationwide. Tiu Laurel mentioned plans to eventually expand the KNP program to include products like pork, chicken, eggs, vegetables, various fish species, and potentially cooking oil.

Additionally, the DA and DOLE are facilitating the involvement of labor unions and federations in implementing KNP programs. Currently, seven labor organizations are accredited for KNP operations, benefitting 152 members in regions like Central Luzon, Calabarzon, and the Visayas. Plans are underway to include six more organizations from other regions.

Further supporting the KNP expansion, the DA has also collaborated with the Philippine Carabao Center to integrate 48 dairy box outlets into the program.