• THERESA MAE DULMAN
Mayor Greg Gasataya expressed disappointment and vowed to “get to the bottom” of an incident involving allegedly spoiled food served during the annual Employees’ Day celebration of the Bacolod City government on Friday.
In an official statement, the Mayor characterized the incident as unacceptable, emphasizing that the health and safety of the city’s workforce were compromised.
The event, organized by the Bacolod City Government Employees Union (BCGEU), was intended to honor the city’s 6,650 workers but was instead marred by numerous reports of tainted meals.
Gasataya said that the city government provided full financial backing for the event, dishing out a P3.2 million cash advance to BCGEU President Erry Lagtapon to cover all expenses, including catering.
“It is common sense that due diligence and the highest standards of care are observed in the preparation and handling of food provided to our employees as they deserve nothing less,” Gasataya stated.
He directed all department and office heads to submit formal written reports documenting the specific complaints and feedback from their respective staff.
An urgent meeting with the BCGEU officers has also been convened to demand an explanation regarding the oversight and the management of the event’s funds.
“The health and safety of our workforce must never be compromised due to negligence or mismanagement,” he added.*
