Rice standoff persists at Mandaue Capital
In 2023, the Sugbo Merkado Barato (SMB) program was launched by then-governor Gwendolyn Garcia to provide subsidized rice and other basic goods to low-income families in Cebu. However, a recent development has seen the Cebu Provincial Government reject the unsold rice stocks from the program, citing concerns over spoilage and contamination.
Mandaue City, which received 1,099 sacks of rice from the National Food Authority (NFA) at P20 per kilo, began sales in front of City Hall in November 2023. However, residents from far-flung barangays found the two-kilo weekly limit impractical, as transportation costs often exceeded the savings. Sales were later suspended due to the election ban, leaving hundreds of sacks in storage.
A joint inspection by the City Agriculture Office (CAO) and the City Health Office found signs of physical contamination in opened sacks of rice, with reports of "worms" in the stocks. Unopened sacks were sent to the Department of Agriculture (DA) 7 for testing, but Mayor Ouano has already ordered that none of the stock be sold or distributed.
Despite the current stalemate, Provincial Assistant Administrator Aldwin Empaces expressed hope that the two administrations could meet to find a resolution. However, the provincial government has refused to accept the rice back, citing that the stocks are unusable and that their role in purchasing the rice has been fulfilled.
The lack of a formal, written contract or Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) between Mandaue City and the Provincial Government for the rice allocation has also created legal and logistical uncertainties. The provincial government insists that the city is responsible for disposing of any unsold rice.
The incident has prompted a review of the SMB program’s processes, especially concerning distribution and inventory management. The Mandaue City Government plans to return 397 sacks of unsold rice from the SMB program, and the Provincial Government has indicated willingness to assist in finding a proper disposal method. However, the legal responsibility remains with Mandaue City.
Regardless of the DA's findings, Mayor Ouano plans to dispose of the rice due to food safety concerns. This development raises concerns about program implementation and food security stewardship, particularly in light of the ongoing review of the SMB program's processes.
The joint inspection by the City Agriculture Office and the City Health Office discovered physical contamination in opened sacks of rice intended for the SMB program, raising concerns about food safety. Due to these findings, Mayor Ouano has ordered that none of the rice be sold or distributed. Despite the provincial government's refusal to accept the unsold rice back, the Mandaue City Government plans to return 397 sacks of unsold rice from the SMB program, seeking a proper disposal method. This incident has prompted a review of the SMB program's processes, especially regarding distribution and inventory management, and has raised concerns about the program's implementation and food security stewardship.
