'SMB rice' left to rot

These sacks have remained unsold since the program was launched by then-governor Gwendolyn Garcia in November 2023.

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The 1,076 sacks were part of the allocation of Mandaue City when it began implementing the program on January 16, 2024.

Mandaue City Mayor Thadeo Jovito “Jonkie” Ouano has tasked the City Agriculture Office and the City Health Office to assess whether the remaining rice stocks are still safe for human consumption.

This move came after the City Social Welfare Services (CSWS) sought the mayor’s recommendation on whether the rice could still be distributed.

City Administrator Atty. Gonzalo Malig-on said in an interview that he signed a memorandum last week directing both offices to inspect the rice following the CSWS's request.

“Ang point ni mayor, sayang ang resources ba,” said Malig-on.

He added that the City Legal Office would also study possible next steps, considering that the guidelines were set by the Capitol and the city merely followed them.

CSWS head Dr. Michael Allan Pielago explained that under the Capitol-initiated P20-per-kilo rice program, not all the rice in Mandaue was sold.