Ouano asks Soco for help over unsold SMB rice

Mandaue City Mayor Thadeo Jovito “Jonkie” Ouano has sought the assistance of Cebu Vice Governor Glenn Anthony Soco regarding the 397 sacks of unsold rice from the Sugbo Merkadong Barato (SMB) program initiated under former governor Gwendolyn Garcia.

- Kristin de Dios/FPL

“Ako nalang ning pahimuslan nga opportunity, naa naman gyud si Vice Governor sa tupad nako, magpatabang lang sad ta niya ani katong problema nato sa bugas,” Ouano said on Tuesday, during the vice governor’s visit to Mandaue City College for the turnover of donated armchairs.

The mayor appealed for Soco’s help in finding a win-win solution for both the city and the provincial government.

The rice, stored in a warehouse in Barangay Tawason, was declared unfit for human consumption following an inspection by the City Agriculture Office and the City Health Department.

Mayor Ouano earlier ordered that none of the rice be sold or distributed.

In an interview yesterday, he said his plan is to return the rice to the province and request replacement with fresh stocks so the supply can still be used.

However, he stressed that the move will depend on the decision of the provincial government.

"We are hoping nga mabalik to unya mapulihan sa province og another batch kung okay lang, of course, with the approval of Governor Pam (Baricuatro)," Ouano said.