Confusion mars P20/kilo rice selling in QC amid new online booking system

Some buyers who lined up for P20-per-kilo rice at the Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI) Kadiwa store in Quezon City complained Monday following the implementation of an online appointment system for purchasing the subsidized product.

According to a report of Super Radio dzBB's Mark Makalalad, long lines crowded the BAI office as some walk-in buyers were surprised to find out that those with online appointments will be prioritized. 

“Ang problema dito, sir, dahil sa pagbabago ng patakaran nabigla na online tapos ang mga tao nakapila ng hatinggabi. Ang sabi nila, mas maganda ang online dahil naka-schedule ka na pero marami ang pumipili ng 6 a.m.-7 a.m. nang sabay-sabay,” a buyer said. 

(The problem is that they changed the guidelines. Some of us have started lining up as early as midnight and then they told us it would be better if we have online appointments.)

“Alam namin na may online. Kagaya ko, pumili ako sa online ng  6 a.m.-7 a.m. pero hanggang ngayon nasa labas pa po ako dahil nagkagulo na ang pila. Mas maganda na ibalik sa dati,” the buyer added. 

(We know there is an online appointment system. Like me, I set up an appointment for 6 a.m.-7 a.m. but until now, I am still in line because of the confusion. We are hoping they will revert to the old system.)

A BAI personnel explained the booking system was created to prevent buyers from crowding the BAI office and lining up overnight. 

“Pinagbigyan po sila. Binigyan sila ng numbers up to 500 kasi ang stocks namin ay 1,000 lang. So 500 sa naka-appointment at 500 sa kanila,” he added. 

(We will allow walk-in buyers to purchase rice. We only have 1,000 bags as stocks. We will give them 500 bags and 500 to those with online appointments.)

The BAI announced the appointment-based system on their social media accounts. A banner was likewise posted outside their office. 

The P20-per-kilo rice is part of the government’s subsidized Kadiwa program aimed at providing Filipinos access to affordable rice and other agricultural commodities, such as vegetables, meat, and fish.

The radio report said the Quezon City Police District (QCPD) assisted the BAI in managing the crowd and explaining the priority system including how buyers can register online for the next schedules. 

Mga tauhan ng Quezon City Police District (QCPD), tumulong na rin sa pagpapanatili ng kaayusan sa bentahan ng ₱20 kada kilo ng bigas sa tanggapan ng Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI) sa Quezon City. | via @MMakalalad pic.twitter.com/umrTNCr3CJ

— DZBB Super Radyo (@dzbb) April 6, 2026

The BAI reiterated it allotted 1,000 bags, with half reserved for online appointments and the rest for walk-in buyers. —Sundy Locus/AOL, GMA News