Garcia open to reassessing mushroom program

Amid questions and varying opinions on the viability of Cebu City's mushroom growing initiative as a livelihood program, Mayor Raymond Alvin Garcia said he remains open to reassessing its feasibility and welcomes suggestions for improvement.

- Iris Hazel Mascardo Staff Member

Last Wednesday, April 9, 2025, the Commission on Elections (Comelec) approved the petition to disburse at least P310 million in funding for social services programs, projects, and dole-outs, despite the ongoing election ban on the disbursement of public funds, including for the mushroom cultivation program.

"But overall, I am happy that it has already been approved so that our services for government and for our people, dili na mabalda, mapadayon na nato," said Garcia.

The disputed mushroom growing program of the city under the Division for the Welfare of the Urban Poor (DWUP) has a budget appropriation of P5 million. Garcia, however, clarified that Comelec did not approve the full amount they had requested.

Regarding this initiative, Garcia said he hasn't issued a directive yet on its distribution, as they had just received the exemption a day earlier.

He added that he may need to conduct a meeting with DWUP and other officials behind the program.

In an earlier report by The Freeman, an experienced mushroom grower in Sirao, Cebu City shed light on the realities of mushroom cultivation, debunking the common belief that it is an easy livelihood to pursue. The grower emphasized that it requires precision, dedication, and proper environmental conditions.