SMB rice unsafe

The health office particularly flagged sacks that were already opened and showed signs of pest infestation and contamination.

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The remaining unopened sacks will undergo further testing by a specialized agency.

Malig-on said Mayor Ouano has ordered that none of the rice should be sold or distributed.

“Sa level sa mayor, sa discussion, niingon siya nga dili which corresponds to the report,” said Malig-on.

He added that the city government does not want to risk human lives and is looking into proper disposal methods—possibly even returning the rice to the Provincial Government.

However, this plan is stalled by the lack of a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) between the city and province.

“Wala pay available copy, way nakahibaw kinsay naay copy or naa ba gyud nay MOA,” said Malig-on.

The absence of a MOA complicates Mandaue’s ability to respond to its financial obligation. Records from the Cebu Provincial Treasurer’s Office show that the city has the highest unpaid balance among 51 LGUs, amounting to P1,077,000.

Malig-on said he contacted the provincial treasurer last Wednesday upon the mayor’s instruction. He has not disclosed the discussion’s details but confirmed ongoing communication.