Department of Agriculture (DA) Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. said he was surprised at how many more people have started to buy from the ₱20 per kilo rice kiosks, prompting adjustments, particularly in selling hours and staff shifts.

In an exclusive interview on Dos Por Dos, Tiu Laurel said the department was initially overwhelmed by the sudden influx of customers looking to buy rice for ₱20 per kilo amid rising prices triggered by the Middle East war.

“Nagulat din kami sa off-take na tinatawag. Noong bago nag-giyera, let’s say 10 sacks ang nabebenta sa bawat isang outlet, ngayon, naging times three bigla, parang overnight. Within one month, naging times three, kaya medyo nabulunan kami,” he said.

Three weeks ago, Tiu Laurel said the DA has added chairs, electric fans, including staff working hours, shifts, and selling days. He also revealed that they initially encountered a problem with depositing their earnings.

“Noong una nagka-problema kami sa cut-off ng bangko na kailangan, ‘yung benta namin, by 2:00, mag-cut off na kami para ma-deposit namin ‘yung cash. Pero ngayon, pumayag na Land Bank na sila na pi-pick up ng pera,” he explained.

The Agriculture chief said the kiosks will soon open at 6:00 a.m. and may continue operations even beyond 5:00 p.m.

The DA has also put an appointment system via a QR code in place for individuals who know how to use it, although they do still allow walk-in customers. The arrangement has been in operation for two weeks now and has proven helpful.