In a show of unified support to the Kadiwa ng Pangulo program, Cabinet Secretaries and Regional Directors from the Department of Agriculture, Department of Trade and Industry, Department of the Interior and Local Government and other national government agencies signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) to implement the program across the country and establish Kadiwa stalls in all local government units.

President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. personally witnessed the MOA signing and was joined by Governor Dennis Pineda, Vice Governor Lilia Pineda, Sanggunian board members and local chief executives of the province.

“With the MOA signing, we institutionalized the establishment of the Kadiwa ng Pangulo at the local level. Nagsimula ito sa NCR at ngayon nga ay buong bansa na. This is a whole-of-government approach. Hindi kakayanin kung iisang ahensya lamang ang kikilos kaya pinagsama-sama natin ang iba’t ibang departamento upang magtulong-tulong para maging matagumpay itong programa,” said President Marcos in his message.

He added that Kadiwa is premised on the concept of bringing farmers and small businesses closer to consumers, thus giving them a more competitive advantage while at the same time benefitting the public with goods sold at lower prices.

Despite torrential rains, the inaugural activity was participated by more than 40 stalls and nego-carts selling agri-produce and other local products such as Kapampangan delicacies and crafts. Meanwhile, employees from the Provincial capitol and nearby offices also came out to support the small businesses.

The Kadiwa ng Pangulo is a joint program and collaborative engagement between national government agencies and local government units as a strategy to drive local economic growth and provide market opportunities to micro, small and medium enterprises. It also encourages the support and participation of other stakeholders such as NGOs, cooperatives and business sectors.