PNP and DA Officially Opens Kadiwa Store in Camp Crame
“Food is national security. Food is economy. It is employment, energy, history. Food is everything.” – Chef Jose Andres
On February 21, 2025, a significant stride towards food security and sustainability took place in Camp BGen Rafael T Crame, Quezon City as the Philippine National Police under the leadership of Police General Rommel Francisco D. Marbil formally had signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Department of Agriculture, signaling the launching and opening of the Kadiwa ng Pangulo (KNP) store inside the PNP National Headquarters.
The Kadiwa Program, one of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr’s ongoing flagship projects traced its origin way back in his father—former President Ferdinand Marcos Sr’s stint. The said program was initially launched in July 2023 by the Department of Agriculture (DA) in collaboration with the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), the Presidential Communications Office (PCO), and the Presidential Management Staff (PMS), to primarily address issues relative to food security, local production and distribution which were heavily affected by the CoVID-19 pandemic. Such a move paved the way to the successful establishment of KNP sites across the country, ably helping the government not only in combatting food scarcity but also in uplifting local food producers.
Relatively, a much bigger and better KNP was launched on November 2024, with three additional key features: (1) onboarding of center consolidators, distribution hubs, local government units, and private sector members; (2) the introduction of the KADIWA Center with regular operations; and (3) the launch of the KADIWA digital application. Such features had allowed other government agencies, including PNP and the Armed Forces of the Philippines, to open affordable KADIWA stores in their respective headquarters nationwide.
The MOU signing was personally led by the PNP Chief himself, who warmly welcomed DA Secretary, Francisco P. Tiu Laurel Jr., the ceremony’s Guest of Honor and Speaker. The latter said that such initiative is a step towards achieving inclusive economic development and food security. With the said partnership, KNP conveniently provides affordable, fresh and quality agri-fishery products to police and other uniformed personnel, including their families and other neighboring communities.
“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 launching symbolize our commitment to building a more sustainable and equitable future for the Philippines”, said Secretary Tiu Laurel.
PGen Marbil, expressed gratitude to DA in behalf of the entire PNP organization, for supporting the country’s uniformed personnel who are also affected by rising costs of food supplies and other basic commodities as well as time constrains due to their hectic schedules. He said: “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.”
KNP products are available through KADIWA pop-up stores, bazaars, and on-the-go selling activities. Among its notable programs features are the Php29.00 per kilo rice and other alternative rice options under the DA’s Rice-for-All Program.
Another highlight of the activity was the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the said KADIWA Store located at the Eagle’s Nest, followed by a photo opportunity together with other senior government officials and stakeholders of both agencies. Similar programs are also expected to be launched in other PNP Camps throughout the country.
