SOROSORO IBABA, Batangas City (July 8, 2025)—The Department of Agriculture (DA), in collaboration with Sorosoro Ibaba Development Cooperative (SIDC), officially launched the Benteng Bigas, Meron Na! Program on Wednesday to 15 SIDC-operated KADIWA ng Pangulo sites, further extending affordable food closer to Filipino communities.
SIDC is one of the longest-running and most successful agri-based cooperatives in the country that has been in operation since 1969. It remains relentless in mobilizing local producers and supporting inclusive agri-enterprise development until today.
Held at SIDC Main Office in Batangas, the simultaneous launching was attended by DA Assistant Secretary Atty. Genevieve E. Velicaria-Guevarra, Agribusiness and Marketing Assistance Service Director Junibert E. De Sagun, along with SIDC key officials led by SIDC Board Chairperson Engr. Ruben D. Celestial and SIDC Chief Executive Officer Mr. Rico B. Geron. They were also joined by representatives from Food Terminal Incorporated and officials of Brgy. Sorosoro Ibaba.
Through this partnership, the 15 identified SIDC cooperative stores will serve as KNP outlets, offering a wide variety of goods, including the Benteng Bigas, Meron Na! Program of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” R. Marcos, Jr.
Among the newly opened KNP outlets are the SIDC Main Office in Sorosoro Ibaba, Purok 2 in Mahabang Parang, Tinga Labac, Brgy. Petron along the National Road in Balagtas, Lipa City Proper, Brgy. Balagtas, National Highway in Brgy. Alangilan, Sitio Central in Brgy. Sto. Niño, San Miguel, Conde Labac, Mahacot West, Brgy. Libjo, Pallocan West, San Mariano in San Pascual, and Manghinao Proper in Bauan.
“Sa suporta ng SIDC, mas magiging posible na ang hangarin nating magkaroon ng sapat, ligtas, at abot-kayang pagkain sa bawat hapag-kainan ng mga Pilipino. Kayo ang bago naming katuwang sa adhikain ng Department of Agriculture na ilapit sa mga komunidad particular na ang benteng bigas na programa ng ating pangulo,” Asec. Guevarra remarked.
To date, there are a total of 721 operating KADIWA sites, with 125 outlets offering P20 per kilo rice, nationwide. ### (Photo by DA-OASAMCA)
