Manila: Senator Sherwin Gatchalian on Monday urged the Department of Agriculture (DA) to expand the deployment of Kadiwa stores to provide affordable food items to vulnerable sectors affected by the Middle East conflict. In a statement, Gatchalian emphasized the need for the expansion to include geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas (GIDAs) to ensure that vulnerable groups such as senior citizens, solo parents, persons with disability (PWDs), and beneficiaries of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) have access to essential food items.

According to Philippines News Agency, Gatchalian stated that affordable commodities must reach every Filipino, not only in Metro Manila but also in the farthest communities, as everyone is affected by the Middle East crisis. He highlighted the importance of the Kadiwa ng Pangulo project's Rice for All Program, which enables the government to procure palay from farmers and sell rice at more affordable prices.

Gatchalian further explained that expanding the program's footprint will directly support the local agricultural economy by providing more farmers with a guaranteed market for their produce. His proposal is part of the initiatives put forward by the Senate Proactive Response and Oversight for Timely and Effective Crisis Strategy (PROTECT) Committee, which he chairs.

The Kadiwa ng Pangulo is a flagship program of the Marcos administration aimed at addressing rising food prices. It provides farmers, fisherfolk, and micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) with venues to directly sell their produce and facilitates market linkages, eliminating unnecessary layers in the trading cycle.