As part of the government’s actions to enhance and ensure food security at social protection in the country.
The Department of Agriculture (DA) and Department of Education (DepEd) have tied up to to expand access of teaching and non-teaching personnel to affordable food by bringing the KADIWA ng Pangulo Rice-For-All and Benteng Bigas (P20 rice) programs to schools and DepEd offices.
Through which, Kadiwa Centers will be buikt inside DepEd facilities for direct access to these programs for teachers, non-teaching personnel, and also other qualified beneficiaries of the P20 rice program and buy other agricultural products.
Other sectors include senior citizens, persons with disabilities, solo parents, 4Ps beneficiaries, farmers, farmworkers, and fisherfolk, and other beneficiaries recognized by other departments.
“Full support ang DepEd upang masigurong may puwang ang Kadiwa Centers sa ating mga paaralan—para sa kapakanan ng ating mga guro, magulang, at mag-aaral,” said Education Secretary Sonny Angara.
Under the memorandum of understanding (MOU), DepEd’s responsibility include validation of beneficiaries every sale day and the organization of monthly selling schedules, while DA will ensure ensure supply from accredited cooperatives.
The two departments will be jointly conducting monitoring, troubleshooting, and enhancement of operations ton ensure better access of teachers and employees.
Moreover, this will also help strengthen nutrition programs of DepEd, such as School-Based Feeding Program and the Gulayan sa Paaralan.