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The Department of Education (DepEd) and the Department of Agriculture (DA) have formalized a partnership to bring the government’s KADIWA ng Pangulo Rice-For-All (RFA) Program at P20 Benteng Bigas Meron (BBM) Na Programs into public schools, giving teachers and school personnel direct access to affordable rice and other agricultural goods.  

The agreement was sealed during a ceremonial signing held in Manila, with Education Secretary Sonny Angara and Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. leading the initiative.  

Under the memorandum, DepEd will host Kadiwa Centers within school and division offices, allowing teachers, non-teaching personnel, and other identified beneficiaries to redeem P20 rice and other discounted produce sourced from accredited farmer and fisherfolk cooperatives. The initiative forms part of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s directive to expand food accessibility and social protection across government communities.  

“Lubos ang ating pasasalamat kay Pangulong Bongbong at kay Sec. Kiko dahil ang ganitong mga inisyatiba ay konkretong tulong sa bawat pamilyang Pilipino. 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,” Angara said.  

The DA’s guidelines for the RFA Program identify priority beneficiaries eligible for the P20 Rice Project: senior citizens, persons with disabilities, solo parents, 4Ps beneficiaries, farmers, farmworkers, and fisherfolk.  

In accordance with DA Department Circular 10 series of 2025, as amended by Circular 11, the program may also extend to other sectors identified by partner agencies—including DepEd’s public school teaching and non-teaching personnel, who are now formally recognized as beneficiaries under the MOU.  

DepEd will validate eligible personnel on-site during Kadiwa selling days and coordinate monthly distribution schedules, while DA will ensure a steady flow of quality rice and agricultural goods from accredited local suppliers, among others.  

Both agencies committed to joint monitoring and harmonized planning to ensure program integrity, beneficiary feedback tracking, and ease of access for teachers and staff.  

The partnership also supports DepEd’s broader nutrition-focused initiatives, including the School-Based Feeding Program and Gulayan sa Paaralan Program, by ensuring that school communities have reliable and affordable sources of fresh produce and staple goods.

The collaboration is also aligned with the President’s SONA directives to advance food security, and contribute to the national goals of nutrition, poverty alleviation, and sustainable development, consistent with Sustainable Development Goal No. 2 (Zero Hunger).  

*All Photos from DepEd