More P20 rice outlets open in Occidental Mindoro to reduce long lines

By Voltaire Dequina SAN JOSE, Occidental Mindoro (PIA) — The government is opening more “Benteng Bigas Meron Na!” outlets in Occidental Mindoro to reduce long lines and make it easier for qualified beneficiaries to buy affordable rice, while ensuring enough supply for everyone. National Food Authority (NFA) Occidental Mindoro Branch Manager Harold Cuartero said the opening of additional redemption centers in Sablayan and Mamburao towns, along with more outlets in San Jose town, aims to improve access for low-income and priority sectors, including farmers, fisherfolk, drivers, low-income workers and others. The move comes as demand for the subsidized rice remains high, occasionally resulting in lines at distribution sites managed by the Food Terminal Inc. (FTI). While some have raised concerns over slow replenishment, Cuartero explained that stock release follows a verification process to ensure proper accounting before new supplies are issued. Under the program, the NFA supplies ...