QUEZON CITY, (PIA)--The Department of Agriculture (DA), in collaboration with the Bureau of Corrections (BuCor), launched its first Kadiwa pop-up store at the New Bilibid Prison in Muntinlupa City on September 8, 2023, providing persons deprived of liberty (PDL), as well as residents and BuCor employees, direct access to fresh and affordable food and basic commodities.

“Ang DA ay laging handang tumugon sa mga komunidad na nagnanais na magkaroon ng Kadiwa project. Ang DA ay patuloy din sa pagpapatupad at pagpapalaganap ng adhikain upang matugunan ang food security ng bansa,” said Ruel Gesmundo, Assistant Director for Regulatory Services of the Bureau of Plant Industry during the inauguration ceremony.

BuCor Director General Gregorio Catapang warmly welcomed the opening of the Kadiwa store, recognizing its benefits for the entire community.

“Ang Kadiwa ay para sa mga empleyado, PDL at residente ng Bilibid para mailapit sa kanila ang mura at de-kalidad na pagkain na alam naman natin ngayon ay nagtataasan ang presyo. Ito’y alinsunod din sa utos ng ating Pangulo Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. at Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla na tumulong sa food security ng bansa,” he said.

The goods being sold at the Kadiwa pop-up store in Bilibid include assorted highland and lowland vegetables, fruits, eggs, assorted smoked and dried fish, mushroom products, coffee, noodles, cooking oil, and herbal oils.

Through its Agribusiness and Marketing Assistance Service, the DA has been actively expanding Kadiwa outlets across Metro Manila in a bid to empower the farming community through the establishment of a direct and efficient food supply chain. (da/pia-ncr)