MANILA -- The Department of Agriculture (DA) and the National Housing Authority (NHA) are teaming up to bring KADIWA stores to government housing projects.

In a statement, the DA said that  it will assist in identifying and establishing KADIWA stores or centers at locations designated by the NHA.

The DA said the two agencies' memorandum of understanding will help improve Filipinos' access to affordable food.

“This memorandum of understanding between the Department of Agriculture and the NHA represents a crucial step in integrating food security into housing communities," said Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel.

"Providing homes is essential, but true community development goes beyond shelter. It must also include sustainable food systems, livelihood opportunities, and economic stability,” he added.

Kadiwa stores have been selling cheap rice in parts of the Philippines in order to make the staple grain more accessible to Filipinos.

Kadiwa stores selling cheap rice to be set up in major train stations next week

Rice prices in Kadiwa stores to get even cheaper: Agri dept

Soaring rice prices have been driving inflation upward, but has since settled to 2.1 percent in February.

Philippine Statistics Authority Assistant Secretary Divina Gracia Del Prado said the average price of regular-milled rice nationwide even fell from P48.25 in January to P42.23 last month.