DA: P29 program to resume in 6 Kadiwa sites in NCR, Bulacan

THE DEPARTMENT of Agriculture (DA) assured the resumption of the P29 program or the sale of aging but good quality rice to the vulnerable sector at six Kadiwa sites in Metro Manila and Bulacan.

"Ang instructions ni (The instructions of) Secretary (Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr.) is we will open Kadiwa sites that are okay to sell tomorrow and suspend those who are not okay to sell," DA Assistant Secretary Arnel de Mesa said in a phone interview.

He said P29 operations will resume at Kadiwa sites in Llano Road, Brgy. 167 in Caloocan City; Pantao Fisherfolks Consumer Cooperative (PFCC), 18 Tuazon Avenue, Brgy. Potrero in Malabon City; Offices of Bureau of Animal Industry and National Irrigation Administration in Quezon City; CRB Road, Brgy. Western Bicutan in Taguig City; and Brgy. Minuyan Proper in San Jose del Monte, Bulacan.

However, he said other Kadiwa sites in the National Capital Region (NCR) and Calabarzon offering cheap rice to vulnerable sectors will remain closed due to floods brought by the southwest monsoon that was enhanced by super typhoon Carina.

“Doon sa mga apektado ay mag-a-ayos muna but tuluy-tuloy pa rin naman iyong P29 dahil iyong mga areas na hindi naman naapektuhan, magtitinda pa rin sila (For those affected, they will have to be fixed first, but P29 operations will resume in unaffected areas)," de Mesa said.

On July 19, the DA expanded its P29 program large-scale trial in Bacoor, Cavite, and San Pedro, Bulacan.

The first batch are the Bureau of Animal Industry Dome and National Irrigation Administration (NIA) in Quezon City; Bureau of Plant Industry in Malate, Manila; Food Terminal Inc. in Taguig City; Philippine Fiber Industry Development Authority in Las Piñas; Bayani Fernando Central Terminal and Barangay Fortune in Marikina; sites in Caloocan and Valenzuela; and City of San Jose del Monte, Bulacan.

These were followed by three more Kadiwa sites in Malabon, Navotas, and Marikina.

Earlier, the DA expressed plans to implement the P29 program in Visayas and Mindanao in August.

The P29 program aims to cater to the vulnerable sector including members of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program, senior citizens, persons with disabilities, and solo parents. (Stephanie Sevillano)