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The government has begun requiring appointments for buyers of P20-per-kilo rice at the Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI) in Quezon City, as part of efforts to ease congestion and improve distribution, according to the Department of Agriculture (DA).
The system, which took effect on Monday, April 6, was introduced after long queues and confusion were observed during the initial rollout of the subsidized rice program, as earlier reported by GMA News.
Here’s how the process works based on DA guidelines:
Register through the official link
Qualified beneficiaries must sign up online via:
https://bit.ly/P20BAI
The DA said the appointment system assigns specific schedules to buyers to help manage the volume of people at the site.
Check if you are eligible
The program covers priority sectors, including:
- Senior citizens
- Persons with disabilities (PWDs)
- Solo parents
- Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) beneficiaries
- Registered farmers and fisherfolk under RSBSA
- Public utility vehicle (PUV) drivers
Wait for your assigned schedule
After registration, buyers will be given a designated time slot for purchase.
According to the DA, only a limited number of walk-in buyers will be accommodated, with most of the allocation reserved for those with confirmed appointments.
Proceed to the BAI site on schedule
Rice selling is conducted at the BAI compound along Visayas Avenue from 6:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., Monday to Friday.
Buyers must arrive within their assigned time and present valid identification and proof of eligibility.
Observe purchase limits
Authorities said purchase caps are imposed to ensure equitable distribution among beneficiaries.
The DA said the appointment system aims to “improve the flow of selling and avoid long queues,” citing the need to prevent overcrowding and disruptions in the area.
The Food Terminal Inc. (FTI), which is implementing the program, also urged the public to secure an appointment before going to the site, noting that only a small portion of the supply is allotted for walk-in buyers.
Authorities likewise advised the public not to line up too early, as this may cause inconvenience and affect traffic flow.
The P20 rice initiative is part of the Kadiwa program of the DA, which aims to make affordable food more accessible while ensuring an orderly and fair distribution system.—MCG, GMA News
