KADIWA Financial Grant Assistance Program

The KADIWA Financial Grant Assistance Program is a government initiative in the Philippines, implemented by the Department of Agriculture(DA), that aims to help marginalized farmers and fisherfolk improve their income and access to markets.

Main Objectives: (1) Support farmers and fisherfolk by giving them financial grants, not loans; (2) Help them establish or enhance their KADIWA stores or outlets, which directly connect them with consumers, cutting out middlemen; and (3) Improve market access and boost local food supply chains.

What the Grant Covers: Grants can be used for (1) Purchasing equipment and vehicles (e.g., delivery vans, chillers); (2) Setting up market stalls, pop-up KADIWA stores, or mobile markets; (3) Packaging and processing materials; and (4)  Working capital for operations. 

Who Can Apply: (1) Farmers’ cooperatives and associations; (2) Fisherfolk associations; (3) Community-based organizations; and (4) Local government units (sometimes). They usually have to be registered and accredited with the DA or related agencies.

What is “KADIWA”?

“KADIWA” stands for Katuwang sa Diwa at Gawa para sa Masaganang Ani at Mataas na Kita”, which roughly translates to “Partner in Spirit and Action for a Bountiful Harvest and Increased Income.”

It’s basically a marketing program that sets up KADIWA ni Ani at Kita outlets, where agricultural products are sold directly from producers to consumers at lower prices.

The amount of financial assistance provided under the KADIWA Financial Grant Assistance Program can vary depending on the needs and proposed projects of the beneficiaries, but here’s a general idea based on recent implementations:

Grant Amounts (Typical Ranges): (1) For small-scale projects (e.g., setting up a temporary KADIWA stall or mobile market); (2) Around ₱100,000 to ₱500,000; (3) For larger projects (e.g., acquiring vehicles, setting up a permanent facility, cold storage, or food processing centers): Can go up to ₱1 million to ₱5 million or more. 

No Repayment Required: This is a grant, not a loan, so it does not require repayment, but recipients are expected to follow reporting and accountability guidelines (like submitting liquidation reports and project updates).

Actual Grant Amount Depends On: (1) The proposal submitted by the cooperative/association; (2) Type of project (store setup, logistics, post-harvest, etc.); (3) Number of beneficiaries impacted; and (4) DA’s available budget and priority areas.