BUENAVISTA, Marinduque — In a move to strengthen food accessibility and empower local farmers, the Department of Agriculture (DA)-Mimaropa has inaugurated two new Kadiwa ng Pangulo centers in the island province of Marinduque, marking a significant expansion of the program in the region.
The newly opened Kadiwa centers, located in Barangay Caigangan in Buenavista and Barangay Buyabod in Santa Cruz, officially began operations on May 6 and 7, respectively. The initiative aims to connect local farmers directly with consumers, eliminating middlemen and ensuring both fair prices and fresh produce for communities.
Residents from the surrounding areas are expected to benefit from more affordable agricultural products, while small-scale producers gain a stable platform to sell their goods. The initiative is part of the broader Kadiwa ng Pangulo program launched under the Office of the President, with a strong emphasis on food security and inclusive economic development.
In a press release, DA Mimaropa highlighted the expansion as a key step toward a “bigger, better and more inclusive” Kadiwa presence in the region. “This is about more than just opening new centers. It’s about empowering communities and ensuring sustainable access to quality goods,” the agency stated.
The launch was met with enthusiasm by local residents and stakeholders who attended the inauguration ceremonies.
Amy Ignacio, a single mother from Buenavista, expressed her gratitude, saying the lower prices will ease the burden of daily expenses for her family.
“Sobrang laking tulong po sa amin lalo na sa aking single mother po, yung pang-araw-araw na baon sa school pati na rin sa bahay, madalas kong iniisip ‘yan eh kasi ang taas na sadya ng bilihin ngayon, kaya ngayon kahit papaano ay mababawasan ang pagiisip ko sa gastusin sa pagkain namin mag-iina,” she said.
From Santa Cruz, resident Protacio Salome echoed similar sentiments saying,”“Kapag ako ay namimili sa pamilihan ay sobrang napapakamot na laang ako at sobrang taas na ng bilihin ngayon pero ngayong may Kadiwa na, actually, matagal ko na ito naririnig at nakikita sa ibang probinsya at hiniling ko na noon pa man na sana magkaroon talaga dito sa amin n’yan at ngayong mayroon na aba ang P200 ko ay kumpleto na sa isang ulam namin sa bahay.”
The continued rollout of Kadiwa centers across Mimaropa reflects the government’s broader strategy to boost rural livelihoods, promote sustainable agriculture, and make nutritious food more accessible to Filipinos. With the addition of the Marinduque sites, more communities are now poised to benefit from the program’s positive impact. — Marinduquenews.com
