SOME participating stalls under the “Kadiwa ng Pangulo” of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. have sold P20.00 per kilogram of rice in the Bicol Region during its launching on April 25, according to the National Irrigation Administration (NIA).
In a statement, the NIA said that it launched Kadiwa ng Pangulo at its Albay-Catanduanes Irrigation Management Office (ACIMO) in Ligao City, Albay where the PhP20.00 per kilogram of rice is sold to residents.
Among those who were prioritized to receive the PhP20.00 per kilogram of rice are members of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) beneficiaries, elderlies, persons with special needs.
Regular customers, on the other hand, were able to buy rice at PhP35.00 per kilogram.
“It serves as a way of Irrigators Associations (IAs) to return the blessings they received from the government to less privileged people for their community,” the NIA said on its official Facebook page, referring to the selling of PhP20.00 per kilogram of rice.
Aside from affordable rice products, the NIA said that different fruits and vegetables, some delicacies and other farm products were also sold at the “Kadiwa ng Pangulo” at a very affordable price.
The NIA added that it supports the government’s initiative to help IAs market their goods directly to consumers and to make food more accessible and cheaper for the less fortunate individuals.
The project was made possible through the efforts of NIA Regional Manager Engr. Gaudencio M. De Vera, Albay-Catanduanes IMO Manager Engr. Jessie D. Baynas, and ACIMO IA Federation President Melanio Bañares.
Bañares said that it is fulfilling for them, IA leaders and members, to share their blessing from the bountiful harvest on the previous cropping season amid the El Niño phenomenon in the country.
He added that the bountiful harvest “is a testament to the government’s convergence, showcasing effective collaborative initiatives,” which is evident on the abundant harvest amid the dry season.
The NIA emphasized that it remains committed to increase rice production towards the realization of the “Bagong Pilipinas” that is envisioned by President Marcos.
