The first permanent Kadiwa Store in Central Luzon was inaugurated on March 13 at Limay Park in Barangay Reformista. The event was attended by Bataan Second District Representative Abet Garcia, Limay Mayor Richie David, and other local officials, who expressed their support for the initiative aimed at making essential goods more affordable while helping local farmers and fisherfolk earn higher incomes.

The Kadiwa Store program, spearheaded by the national government, is designed to provide consumers with access to budget-friendly, high-quality agricultural and fishery products. It also serves as a direct market for farmers and fisherfolk, eliminating middlemen to ensure fairer profits for producers. This initiative aligns with the broader goal of strengthening food security and promoting sustainable agricultural practices.

The establishment of this permanent store follows the launch of the “Kadiwa ng Pangulo” program in Limay by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. in March 2023. In March 2024, a ceremonial check was turned over to fund the store’s construction. The Department of Agriculture (DA) has been a key partner in this effort, with Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. overseeing the allocation of a P5-million grant under the Enhanced Kadiwa Financial Grant to support the project.

The program extends beyond Limay, as Kadiwa Pop-Up Stores continue to be set up across Central Luzon. From March 4 to 6, a Kadiwa Pop-Up Store was held at the MarQuee Mall Activity Center in Pampanga, where fresh, locally sourced produce and essential goods were made available to the public. These efforts are part of the government’s commitment to expanding the reach of Kadiwa initiatives and ensuring more Filipinos benefit from affordable food options.

In addition to providing low-cost commodities, the Kadiwa Store in Limay will support 28 farmers’ cooperatives and associations, benefiting a total of 3,826 members. By directly connecting producers with consumers, the program helps stabilize prices and boost local economies. Officials noted that similar initiatives would be expanded across the region to assist more communities.

With the successful launch of the Kadiwa Store in Limay, more towns and cities in Central Luzon are expected to follow suit, further strengthening the local agricultural sector. Mayor Richie David and Representative Abet Garcia emphasized their commitment to supporting programs that uplift farmers and fisherfolk while ensuring that residents have access to nutritious and affordable food

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