Step 3: NFA certification

After getting the barangay clearance, the only other paperwork that can be done without the lease contract, is the NFA certification. In our case, since we're a rice retailer, we needed to be certified by NFA. Because our store is going to be located in Mandaluyong, we needed to go to the NFA office near FTI in Alabang.

When we arrived at the NFA office, we were surprised how easy it was. There was no queue and we didn't have to wait before someone entertained us. The people were amiable and accommodating. 

The only negative thing I can say about the experience was that at one point, we needed to have a document photocopied but we had to wait because those who were assigned at the photocopier just had lunch and they had to pray after. Not sure if it was the rosary or something else but it was a little long and I personally think that religion and the workplace should be separate. That's my opinion.

In the end, we were still able to do what we had to do in a lot less time than what I expected it to take.