The Department of Agriculture (DA) will expand the number of outlets at train stations for its P40 per kg Rice-for-All program in response to high demand, according to Arnel de Mesa, DA assistant secretary and spokesperson.
“At present, the public clamor for the P40 per kg Rice-for-All program is very good. Supplies are being sold out fast and we are now making adjustments on logistics and distribution with our partner, FTI (Food Terminal Inc.) to ensure ample supply,” De Mesa said at the Bagong Pilipinas public forum on Wednesday.
De Mesa said the DA plans to add stores in Ayala Station of the Metro Rail Transit (MRT) in Makati and Recto Station of the Light Rail Transit (LRT) in Manila.
BAI said it is in talks with the Department of Transportation to set up outlets in train stations.
Currently, outlets can be found at the MRT North Avenue Station and the LRT Monumento Station.
The DA rolled out last week the Kadiwa ng Pangulo’s Rice-for-All program offering lower-priced rice to select public markets and commuter areas in the National Capital Region.
The kiosks sell subsidized rice supply from Tuesdays to Saturdays, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Public markets participating in the program include Guadalupe in Mandaluyong City; Kamuning in Quezon City; Malabon Central; New Las Pinas City; and Pasay City.
The DA is also in talks with the possible deployment of the program in private markets such as Balintawak Cloverleaf in Quezon City; Cartimar in Pasay; Grace Marketplace in Pateros; Maypajo in Quezon City; and Paco in Manila. Jed Macapagal
