The Department of Agriculture (DA) signed agreements with the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the Philippine National Police (PNP) to open military and police camps and offices for KADIWA ng Pangulo across the country, making affordable food readily available to personnel in uniform, their families, and surrounding communities.
The signing of the Memorandum of Understanding, along with the launch of KADIWA ng Pangulo centers, took place at Camp Aguinaldo for the AFP and Camp Crame for the PNP on February 21, 2025.
Agriculture Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel Jr. called the events steps toward achieving inclusive economic development and food security. Through these partnerships, the KNP aims to provide affordable, fresh, safe, and quality agri-fishery products to military and police personnel, their families, and surrounding communities. These products are available through KADIWA pop-up stores, bazaars, and on-the-go selling activities. Notably, the program features P29 per kilo rice and other rice options under the Rice-for-All programs.
The KNP initiative also supports local farmers, fisherfolk, and agricultural cooperatives by creating a direct and sustainable market for their produce. This reduces unnecessary market layers and helps stabilize prices.
“It is a celebration of unity, hope, and progress. It reminds us that when we work together, we can create solutions that benefit every Filipino—from our farmers and fisherfolk to our public servants and their families. May this launch symbolize our commitment to building a more sustainable and equitable future for the Philippines,” Secretary Tiu Laurel said.
PNP Chief PGen. Rommel Francisco Marbil expressed gratitude to the DA for supporting the country’s uniformed personnel, who are also affected by rising costs and time constraints due to their duties.
“The KNP program is more than just economic support; it is about improving the well-being of our PNP personnel and their families. Through KADIWA, we make it easier for them to access nutritious food, helping them maintain a healthy lifestyle despite the demands of service. At the same time, we strengthen the livelihood of our hardworking Filipino farmers and small-scale entrepreneurs by providing them with a direct market,” PGen. Marbil explained.
The AFP also thanked the Department for its ongoing support. The AFP, which has been an active partner in the DA’s urban gardening and KADIWA programs, shared that the KNP partnership is vital to its mission of protecting the Filipino people and securing the nation.
“The availability of nutritious and fresh food will benefit our personnel and their families by enhancing energy, endurance, focus, and overall performance. The KADIWA program helps ensure that our men and women in the AFP maintain their physical and mental readiness, which is crucial for responding to the demanding missions and challenges we face every day,” said AFP Chief-of-Staff Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr.
The KADIWA program, initially launched by the DA to mitigate the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on local food production and distribution, expanded with the support of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. In July 2023, the KNP Convergence was established, involving the DA, the Departments of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), Trade and Industry (DTI), Labor and Employment (DOLE), Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), Presidential Communications Office (PCO), and the Presidential Management Staff (PMS). This collaboration led to the creation of KNP sites nationwide, aimed not only at uplifting local food producers but also at combating poverty and achieving food security in the Philippines.
In November 2024, the DA launched the Bigger, Better, and More KNP para sa Bagong Pilipinas, which includes three key features: onboarding of center consolidators, distribution hubs, local government units, and private sector members; the introduction of the KADIWA Center with regular operations; and the launch of the KADIWA digital application.
Although the DA has successfully established KNP sites at both the AFP and PNP national headquarters, the Agriculture Secretary expressed a willingness to partner with other national defense camps across the country to set up additional KADIWA sites, in line with their respective security guidelines. ### (Krystelle Ymari A. Vergara, DA-AFID)
