BY CHRYSEE G. SAMILLANO
The Bacolod Sangguniang Panlungsod is requesting Bacolod Mayor Evelio Leonardia to investigate the condition of the food packs being distributed to affected families during the Modified Enhanced Community Quarantine (MECQ) because of complaints aired by some families.
The resolution authored by Councilor Wilson Gamboa Jr. said that under the MECQ, public transportation was suspended and the Bacolod City government through the Department of Social Services and Development distributed food assistance to the displaced transport groups.
The resolution said food adulteration can have a range of harmful effects on the health of individuals and can lead to toxicity in the body, and proper investigation is being sought to avoid such incident from happening again and to make sure that guidelines in the procurement law under Republic Act No. 9184 or the Government Procurement Reform Act is properly followed.
The DSSD started the distribution of food pack yesterday to taxi, jeepney, tricycle and trisikad drivers in Bacolod City who have been affected by the MECQ, including other poor sectors.
DSSD head Pacita Tero said they have prepared between 38,000 to 40,000 food packs that consists of seven kilos of rice, five canned goods and five packs of noodles. Those who do not receive noodles will get eight cans of canned goods. The noodles will expire in October yet, she said.*
