The Department of Agriculture (DA) inaugurated a Bagsakan Center in Barangay Elizalde, Maco, Davao de Oro, as it expanded the “Benteng Bigas, Meron Na!” initiative following the turn-over of KADIWA facilities in Maco and Carmen, Davao del Norte.
Agriculture assistant secretary for agribusiness, marketing and consumer affairs and KADIWA ng Pangulo program head Genevieve Velicaria-Guevarra said the DA is stepping up efforts to ensure stable and affordable food supply amid global uncertainties.
“This program comes at a critical time. With tensions in the Middle East potentially affecting global food supply and prices, it is important to ensure that every Filipino family has access to sufficient and affordable rice,” Velicaria-Guevarra said.
The P6.8 million Maco project includes upgraded storage facilities and a hauling truck to support the consolidation and transport of agricultural products. The project was partly-funded through the DA’s KADIWA Financial Grant Assistance Program.
More than 500 farmers from 12 farmers’ associations and cooperatives in the Masara line barangays of Maco are expected to benefit from marketing support on cash crops such as coffee, cacao, bananas, corn and upland vegetables.
The DA also turned over a P5-million KADIWA Bagsakan Center project to the municipal government of Carmen, Davao del Norte, that will benefit 24 farmers’ cooperatives and associations covering about 2,926 producer-beneficiaries.
Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. said the DA plans to significantly expand the reach of the subsidized rice program this year as part of the administration’s food security strategy.
“Our goal this year is to reach about 60 million Filipinos and provide them access to affordable rice and other essential food through KADIWA and similar programs,” Tiu Laurel said.
Beneficiaries include senior citizens, persons with disabilities, solo parents, Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program beneficiaries, transport workers, minimum wage earners, farmers, fisherfolk and public school teachers identified by local government units.
The DA said the program will continue expanding nationwide until June 30, 2028 as part of the administration’s effort to strengthen the agricultural sector and ensure a stable food supply.
