The Department of Agriculture (DA) and the Philippine Postal Corp. (PHLPost) on Thursday signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to establish a partnership aimed at expanding the KADIWA ng Pangulo program across the country.

Agriculture Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel Jr. and Postmaster General and PHLPost Chief Executive Officer Luis Carlos formalized the agreement, underscoring the collaboration between the two government agencies to promote food security, improve the lives of Filipino consumers, and make essential food products more accessible, particularly for financially challenged households.

The partnership with PHLPost will significantly accelerate the expansion of KADIWA ng Pangulo covered areas, which the DA expects to reach 1,500 stores all over the country by 2028. Under the agreement, the DA, through the Agribusiness and Marketing Assistance Service (AMAS), will provide technical and administrative support for the operation, establishment, and monitoring of KADIWA stores. The department will also ensure agricultural commodities sold at these stores meet food safety standards, logistics such as delivery and storage are well managed, and guarantee that store operations do not interfere with PHLPost’s core functions. ### (Photos by Jay Morales, DA-OSEC)