By Kenneth Marcos 
As families continue to search for affordable food amid rising living costs, the Department of Agriculture (DA) is preparing a major three-day showcase in Intramuros that aims to highlight the government’s push for cheaper basic goods, including the much-anticipated P20 rice.
Stalls are expected to fill the historic walled city from November 28 to 30 for the Kadiwa ng Pangulo (KNP) Expo 2025, where farmers, fisherfolk, and small producers will sell goods directly to consumers at reduced prices.
The DA said the event is designed to make low-cost food more accessible to ordinary households while supporting local producers who often struggle with high transport and trading expenses. Through Kadiwa, the agency hopes to shorten the supply chain and allow farmers to earn more while shoppers pay less.
Kadiwa programs have been rolled out nationwide in recent years, offering vegetables, fruits, rice, meat, and other essentials at prices lower than those in commercial markets. The upcoming expo is expected to be the largest edition to date, gathering cooperatives, community groups, and private partners under one venue.
Officials said the P20-per-kilo rice, a commitment frequently discussed in government food security plans, will be the main feature of the exhibit. While the program remains limited, the expo aims to show how targeted procurement, improved post-harvest systems, and reduced middleman layers can help bring down retail prices when conditions allow.
The DA has been expanding procurement from local farmers and enhancing links between producers and consumers to stabilize supplies. The agency also continues to invest in irrigation, mechanization, and post-harvest facilities to support long-term improvements in production.
Visitors to the expo will also have access to information booths on urban gardening, climate-resilient farming, and government assistance programs. Organizers expect thousands of attendees, including families seeking budget-friendly goods ahead of the holiday season.
As the country works toward a more secure and stable food system, the DA said the KNP Expo aims to show what can be achieved when government agencies, farmers, and communities work together.
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