A group of approximately 15 people stand together for a photo in a room with a sign that reads 'BULWAGANG DIREK FRANK RIVERA PAETE, LAGUNA'. The room has tables with bottled water and small boxes. The people are diverse in age and appearance.

Paete, Laguna — A coordination meeting for the upcoming launch of the Kadiwa ng Pangulo (KNP) program was successfully held on March 7, 2025, at the Cultural Heritage Hall, 3rd Floor, Municipal Hall, J.V. Quesada St., Paete, Laguna. The meeting brought together representatives from various government agencies, including the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), Department of Agriculture (DA), Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), and the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG). Additionally, the Municipal Mayor and representatives from the Local Government Unit (LGU) of Paete attended to discuss their roles and responsibilities in the execution of the program.

The KNP program aims to provide local communities with access to affordable, high-quality products by connecting consumers directly with farmers, producers, and small businesses. During the meeting, each agency outlined its specific contributions to the program’s success. DTI emphasized its role in facilitating market linkages for local entrepreneurs, while DA highlighted its commitment to ensuring a steady supply of fresh agricultural products from the region. DSWD and DOLE also discussed their involvement in supporting marginalized communities and promoting livelihood opportunities for locals.

The Municipal Mayor of Paete, along with the LGU representatives, reaffirmed their full support for the KNP program, emphasizing the importance of local collaboration to address the needs of Paete’s residents. The LGU will be instrumental in the logistical aspects of the program, ensuring smooth operations and accessibility for the community. Local stakeholders also joined the discussion, underscoring the positive impact the program will have on both consumers and local businesses.

A group of people are seated at tables facing the front of a room, where a presentation is being given. A sign reading 'BULWAGANG DIREK FRANK G. RIVERA PAETE, LAGUNA' is visible. A woman is speaking at the front of the room, near a projector screen displaying text. The attendees are seated in blue plastic chairs.
A group of people are seated around a long, dark-colored table facing the front of a room, where a presentation is being given. A projector screen displays text and graphics. A sign reading 'BULWAGANG DIREK FRANK G. RIVERA PAETE, LAGUNA' is visible above the screen. The room has a light-colored ceiling with visible fixtures and blue-framed windows.
A group of people are seated around several tables covered with black cloth, facing the front of a room. They appear to be attending a meeting or presentation. Blue plastic chairs are visible. The room has a light-colored ceiling with visible fixtures, and blue-framed windows in the background. A world map is visible on a wall in the background.

As the KNP program moves forward, the meeting set the stage for effective cooperation between government agencies and the LGU of Paete to bring this initiative to fruition. The program, expected to launch in the coming weeks, promises to help local communities by offering affordable goods while also providing economic opportunities for farmers, entrepreneurs, and families. This initiative is poised to contribute to the overall economic development of Paete, ensuring that the benefits reach those who need it most (JCMDrueco, DTI-Laguna). ♦

Date of Release: 03 April 2025