‘Kadiwa” stores
THE establishment of “Kadiwa” stores in various parts of the country should be welcomed and supported by all sectors of society, particularly farmers and consumers.
Note that during the administration of the late President Ferdinand E. Marcos, the “Kadiwa” program played a stellar role in addressing hunger in impoverished Philippines.
Even the poorest of the poor managed to eat three times a day because Filipinos were able to purchase basic necessities, like rice, meat, fish and sugar, at affordable prices.
“Noon, pati nga mayayaman ay namimili sa mga “Kadiwa Center” dahil napakamura ang presyo ng mga tinda dito, kabilang na ang gulay at prutas,” a consumer recalled.
That’s why it’s not surprising why more and more quarters now want the government to revive the “Kadiwa” program, a brainchild of the then First Lady Imelda Romualdez Marcos.
In fact, no less than Senator Imee Marcos expects more of our beleaguered farmers to plant as the return of “Kadiwa” stores would ensure a wider market for their produce.
Speaking at a forum in Quezon City last Friday, the articulate senator, a sister of President Marcos, stressed that it is cheaper to buy agricultural products directly from the farmers.
In his first state-of-the-nation address (SONA) last July, President Marcos said his administration would prioritize the building of a national network of farm-to-market roads.
President Marcos said the farm-to-market road network would facilitate the transport of the farmers produce, including vegetables, like eggplant, and tomato, to the markets.
In the view of many, the government is capable of coming up with highly-effective measures to help our farmers and consumers amid the rising prices of basic commodities.
One of them is the revival of the “Kadiwa” program.
