PALAYAN CITY (PIA) — Farmers and vendors in Nueva Ecija thanked the government for conducting the Kadiwa ng Pangulo initiative and rice distribution program at the Farmers’ Plaza in Palayan City on Thursday, April 23, saying these help improve livelihoods and ease household expenses amid rising prices.
Lerma Yase, a farmer from Palayan City, said the Kadiwa program allows them to sell their produce directly to consumers at fair prices, helping improve income and prevent losses from low farmgate prices.
“Ito pong Kadiwa ng Pangulo natin ay malaki ang naitutulong sa ating mga magsasaka na katulad ko… naididiretso natin sa market na kung saan ito ay nakukuha natin sa tamang presyo at makatwirang presyo,” she stressed.
Joseph Antiquia, a taho vendor and rice aid beneficiary, said the assistance helps ease his daily expenses and supports his family’s needs.
“Malaki pong tulong sa akin iyon kasi unang-una, dahil sa mataas nga ang bilihin ngayon, at pangalawa, makakatipid po ako ng halos tatlong linggong budget para sa pambili ng bigas. May tatlo rin kasi akong pinag-aaral na estudyante—isang college at dalawang high school. Malaking bagay po sa akin na mapasama sa mga benepisyaryo ng bigas na iyan,” he said, describing it as a blessing for him.
Meanwhile, Joselito Paynor, a buko juice vendor in the morning and barangay tanod at night, was also among the recipients of rice assistance and expressed his heartfelt gratitude for the program.
He said that despite long days and back-to-back work, the assistance serves as a source of support and hope in meeting the daily needs of his family.
For Paynor, such aid is not just simple assistance but added strength to continue with everyday challenges.
Palayan City Mayor Viandrei Nicole Cuevas expressed gratitude to President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. for bringing national government programs to local communities, saying these initiatives make a significant difference in the lives and livelihoods of residents.
The President visited Palayan City on the same day to oversee the implementation of the Kadiwa ng Pangulo program and witness the distribution of rice to ambulant vendors amid the impact of the Middle East crisis.
During the visit, he met with barangay captains and local officials and observed the initial rollout of 100 sacks of rice, each weighing 10 kilograms.
He also inspected Kadiwa stalls featuring locally produced goods from farmers in Palayan City and other areas in Nueva Ecija, which are sold directly to consumers to provide more affordable food options and support agricultural livelihoods.
The initiative forms part of the government’s continued efforts to support farmers and strengthen food security amid economic challenges. (By Maria Asumpta Estefanie C. Reyes)
