President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr, together with government officials, including Department of Social Welfare and Development Undersecretary for Special Projects Eduardo Punay, representing Secretary Rex Gatchalian, launched the Kadiwa ng Pangulo in the Province of Cebu on Tuesday, February 27, 2023.
The launching was participated in by 51 sellers including local farmers and cooperatives, as well as micro and small enterprises (MSEs) and associations from various government agencies. These include the Department of Agriculture; Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources; Department of Trade and Industry; National Food Authority; National Dairy Authority; and the local government units (LGUs) of Cebu Province, Bantayan Island, and Cebu City.
For the DSWD, it offered products made and crafted by the Sustainable Livelihood Program Associations (SLPAs) including food products like native vinegar, chicharon, banana chips, squash crackers and binangkal. For the non-food products, SLPAs showcased ukuleles, chandeliers made of shells, pandan handicrafts, and leather footwear, among others.
Meanwhile, DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian shared that he is in full support of the objective and goal of the Kadiwa ng Pangulo, a spin off of the Kadiwa ng Pasko held during the holidays, which directly helps some of the beneficiaries of the Department.
Kadiwa is an initiative of the Office of the President that aims to promote and bring local products of farmers, fisher folks, and small-scale business owners closer and directly to the market.
“Hinihikayat namin kayo na tangkilikin natin ang mga kadiwa stores na sinet-up ng Kadiwa ng Pangulo (We encourage you to buy from the kadiwa stores set-up by the Kadiwa ng Pangulo),” Secretary Gatchalian said in an interview.
He added that the Kadiwa allows local producers to earn more while offering goods that are affordable and below the suggested retail price to the consumers.
The Secretary likewise calls for the support of the public, particularly those who live in the cities. “Kung saan may mga Kadiwa centers, unahin natin pumunta dito, mura na, kumpleto na at makatutulong pa sa kapwa Pilipino (If there are Kadiwa centers near you, please visit them. Products there are cheaper and have a lot of variety to choose from. Above all, you will be able to help our fellow Filipinos),” he said.
He also mentioned the importance of the Kadiwa project and its benefits for those who are considered food poor.
“Sa proyektong ito natutulungan ang DSWD sa pagkalinga at pag-alaga sa ating mga kababayan lalong-lalo na iyong mga nakakaranas ng kagutuman (This project helps DSWD fulfill its goal of taking care of our countrymen, especially those who are experiencing hunger),” he said.
The Secretary also vowed to explore ways to combat inflation through innovative and responsive social services.
“At the end of the day, we are trying to insulate or ma-shield natin ang mga vulnerbale nating mga pamilyang Pilipino laban sa mga spike sa presyo, whether its presyo ng krudo, presyo ng kuryente, presyo ng bilihin (At the end of the day, we are trying to insulate or shield the vulnerable Filipino families against price spikes, may it be crude oil, electric power, or commodities),” he said.
