DA starts appointment system for P20/kilo rice

MANILA, Philippines — Beneficiaries queuing for P20-a-kilo rice in Quezon City have to book an appointment as the Department of Agriculture (DA) eyes shorter waiting lines for affordable rice.

Some indigent families and senior citizens are reportedly lining up as early as 2 a.m. to secure spots.

Agriculture Assistant Secretary Genevieve Guevarra expressed hope to fix the system.

Qualified beneficiaries can register through the Benteng Bigas Appointment System (bit.ly/P20BAI).

The sale is conducted from Monday to Friday, from 6 a.m. to 2 p.m.

The Food Terminal Inc. said the rice program’s implementation is for a limited number of walk-in buyers. The rest will be given schedules. 

Beneficiaries of the P20-per-kilo rice are the elderly, persons with disability, solo parents, farmers, fisherfolk and public utility vehicle drivers.