The Department of Agriculture (DA) and the National Housing Authority (NHA) signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) on Thursday to promote food security and improve access to affordable food through participation in the KADIWA ng Pangulo program.

“I am pleased to witness another milestone in the KADIWA ng Pangulo program, expanding its reach to more Filipinos and reinforcing our commitment to food security, affordability, and accessibility,” said Agriculture Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel Jr., who signed the MOU on behalf of the DA.

“The KADIWA ng Pangulo program is not just an initiative; it is a concrete government action to directly address the agricultural and economic challenges our country faces today,” the DA chief explained.

“This memorandum of understanding between the Department of Agriculture and the NHA represents a crucial step in integrating food security into housing communities. Providing homes is essential, but true community development goes beyond shelter. It must also include sustainable food systems, livelihood opportunities, and economic stability,” he added.

The MOU establishes a framework to institutionalize the KADIWA ng Pangulo program across NHA projects. The DA will assist in identifying and establishing KADIWA stores or centers at NHA-designated locations and will provide logistical and technical support to ensure the program’s successful implementation.

NHA General Manager Joeben Tai emphasized that the MOU with the DA is a strong demonstration of the housing agency’s support for the KNP program. “This is our way of helping residents in NHA housing projects improve their daily lives. The MOU also aims to enhance the livelihoods of our farmers,” GM Tai said.

DA Assistant Secretary for Agribusiness, Marketing, and Consumer Affairs Genevieve Velicaria-Guevarra stated that the partnership with the NHA is part of the KNP program’s broader goal to build “a resilient food supply chain that benefits low-income and vulnerable communities.” She added, “This model is not just about providing food; it’s about empowering communities, supporting our farmers and fisherfolk, and integrating food systems into everyday life.”### (Photo by DA-AFID)