DA Expands P20 Rice Program, Opens New KADIWA Bagsakan Centers in Davao Region

AGRI-NEWS | Farming Posted on 2026-03-12 05:34:26

MACO, Davao de Oro (March 10, 2026) — The Department of Agriculture (DA) has expanded its “Benteng Bigas, Meron Na!” initiative while enhancing agricultural marketing systems in Mindanao through the opening of new KADIWA Bagsakan Centers in Maco, Davao de Oro, and Carmen, Davao del Norte.

The program supports the food security agenda of Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and aims to make rice more affordable by offering it at P20 per kilo through KADIWA outlets and other government-backed distribution channels.

On March 10, the DA inaugurated the first Bagsakan Center in Barangay Elizalde, Maco, Davao de Oro. The facility provides post-harvest and marketing support aimed at improving the consolidation and distribution of agricultural products in the province.

Agriculture Assistant Secretary for Agribusiness, Marketing and Consumer Affairs and KADIWA ng Pangulo Program head Atty. Genevieve E. Velicaria-Guevarra said the initiative comes at a crucial time as global developments could affect food supply and prices.

She noted that rising tensions in the Middle East may disrupt global food supply chains, making it important for the government to ensure that Filipino families continue to have access to affordable rice.

The P6.8-million Maco project includes improved storage facilities at the Bagsakan Center and the purchase of a hauling truck to help transport and distribute agricultural goods. Of the total cost, P2.5 million was funded through the DA’s KADIWA Financial Grant Assistance Program.

More than 500 farmers from 12 farmers’ associations and cooperatives in Maco’s Masara line barangays are expected to benefit from the facility. The center will help market products such as coffee, cacao, bananas, corn, and upland vegetables.

After the Maco turnover, the DA also handed over a P5-million KADIWA Bagsakan Center project to the Municipal Government of Carmen in Carmen, Davao del Norte.

The project, funded through the KADIWA Financial Grant Assistance Program, includes the establishment of a KADIWA store and the procurement of a transport vehicle to support the consolidation and delivery of agricultural products across the municipality.

Around 24 farmers’ cooperatives and associations, representing approximately 2,926 producers, are expected to benefit from the facility. The project aims to strengthen direct farmer-to-consumer marketing while lowering logistics costs.

Velicaria-Guevarra emphasized that expanding KADIWA facilities nationwide will help shorten the supply chain, boost farmers’ earnings, and provide consumers with more affordable food options.

Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. said the department is working to significantly increase the reach of the subsidized rice program this year as part of the government’s broader food security strategy.

According to Laurel, the goal is to reach around 60 million Filipinos by providing access to affordable rice and other essential goods through KADIWA and similar initiatives.

The program prioritizes beneficiaries such as senior citizens, persons with disabilities, solo parents, Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program beneficiaries, transport workers, minimum wage earners, farmers, fisherfolk, and public school teachers, as identified by local government units.

The DA added that the “Benteng Bigas, Meron Na!” initiative will continue expanding nationwide until June 30, 2028, supporting the administration’s goal of building a stronger agricultural sector and ensuring a stable food supply under the vision of a Masaganang Bagong Pilipinas.

NPO News Team | DA Press Office - PR

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