DA to check reports of Kadiwa stores lacking rice supplies

The Department of Agriculture (DA) said Tuesday that it will check with the Food Terminal Incorporated (FTI) after reports surfaced of Kadiwa stores without enough stocks of P20 per kilo rice. 

“We will definitely call the attention of FTI and AMAS (Agribusiness and Marketing Assistance Service) on this, and kausapin din namin sila, at siguraduhin na mayroong stocks hindi lang dito sa BAI (Bureau of Animal Industry), kundi sa lahat ng ano. Hindi lang dito sa NCR, lahat ng inestablish na Kadiwa ay supposedly lahat ‘yan may enough stocks per day na talagang itinatakda ng ano,” said DA spokesperson Arnel de Mesa in an interview with Super Radyo dzBB. 

(We will definitely call the attention of FTI and AMAS (Agribusiness and Marketing Assistance Service) on this, and we will also talk to them to ensure there are stocks not just here at the BAI (Bureau of Animal Industry), but in all [locations]. Not just here in the National Capital Region, all established Kadiwa centers are supposedly meant to have enough stocks per day as actually mandated.) 

The department noted that there could be instances where there were delays in the deliveries of the FTI. 

“Siguro may mga pagkakataon siguro na-delay yung delivery ng FTI  sometimes. But most of the times, laging mayroong stock ‘yan lalo na dito sa BAI. Siguro sa ibang area, siguro limited yung capacity ng FTI,” said De Mesa. 

(Perhaps there are instances where FTI's delivery is delayed sometimes. But most of the time, there is always stock, especially here at the BAI. Maybe in other areas, the capacity of the FTI is limited.) 

The subsidized rice program of the government targets those in the vulnerable sectors such as low-income families, senior citizens, persons with disabilities, and solo parents. 

But some buyers who recently lined up for the P20/kilo rice at the Kadiwa store in BAI in Quezon City complained about the online appointment system for buyers.

The DA, however, noted that walk-in customers are still allowed in Kadiwa stores. 

“Hindi naman natin inaalis yung walk-in kasi we are na karamihan ng ating mga benepisyaryo ay senior, PWDs, 4Ps, tsaka mga solo parents….Yung mga hindi nakakaabot sa ating 1,000, sila naman yung priority sa susunod na araw,” said De Mesa. 

(We aren't removing the walk-in option because we [recognize] that most of our beneficiaries are senior citizens, persons with disabilities, 4Ps members, and solo parents.... Those who don't make it into our [daily] 1,000 limit will be the priority for the following day.) —RF, GMA News