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The Department of Agriculture (DA) on Monday signed an agreement with the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) that is aimed at increasing the beneficiaries of the P20 per kilo rice program to as many as 600,000 minimum wage earners.

Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. and Labor Secretary Bienvenido Laguesma signed the memorandum of agreement (MOA) that broadens the distribution channel of the government’s cheaper rice program.

Initially set at 120,000 minimum wage earners beneficiaries nationwide, the Tiu Laurel noted that the P20 rice could now reach 500,000 to 600,000 workers towards the end of the year.

“This program is a targeted initiative and will not directly benefit every Filipino, but its ripple effects through stronger consumer spending and economic activity will,” Laurel said.

Furthermore, he said the MOA would also cover Dole’s support in terms of manpower, providing assistance through the agency’s Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged-Displaced (Tupad) workers.

Dole said seven labor organizations have also been accredited to operate Kadiwa sites, with additional six groups underway after signifying their interest to join the program.

The DA said the joint partnership also aligns the implementation of the Kadiwa program with Dole’s Integrated Livelihood Program (DILP), ensuring that eligible groups, such as labor unions, workers’ associations, and cooperatives, could access livelihood assistance while actively engaging in the agri-based value chains of Kadiwa.

Both agencies launched the nationwide rollout of the P20 rice program for minimum wage earners last week. Rice sold under the program is sourced from stocks purchased by the National Food Authority (NFA) from local farmers.

Meanwhile, the DA also signed a MOA with the Philippine Carabao Center (PCC) that would integrate 48 Dairy Box outlets into the Kadiwa network.

The Dairy Box is a PCC-led initiative selling freshly made dairy products aimed at supporting smallholder dairy farmers and entrepreneurs.

According to Maria Theresa Sawit, National Carabao-based Enterprise Development Coordinator, the inclusion of Dairy Box outlets in Kadiwa would expand market access for dairy producers while promoting locally sourced, nutritious products.

“This partnership strengthens the link between our farmers and Filipino consumers,” she added, noting that this would uplift producers across various agricultural sectors by connecting them to national supply and demand channels.

Source : businessmirror