THE City Government of Bacolod is now processing to delist the food caterer during the first State of the City Address (Soca) of Mayor Alfredo Abelardo Benitez, Secretary to the Mayor Atty. Joseph Karol Chiu said Tuesday, July 11.
Chiu, who held a meeting with the owner of the caterer along with the mayor at the Bacolod City Government Center (BCGC) Tuesday, said that the caterer, whose name is being withheld, admitted their fault and they promised to ask for an apology to the individuals who were affected of the spoiled food during the Soca.
"They committed to reach out to all the individuals who were affected by the spoiled food and it's up to them to release their official statement, it's their obligation," he said.
However, it's the plan of the mayor to delist the caterer from the list of accredited food suppliers in the city, he said.
"We will continue this plan and they should also understand on the part of the city," Chiu said.
On July 5, some of the guests and officials who attended the Soca complained about the alleged spoiled food that was served by the caterer.
Some members of the media also experienced stomachaches and diarrhea after the event.
Chiu said his office also received the same complaints about the spoiled food served by the caterer.
He said the mayor also relayed to the caterer that it's part of the business to go through and face the challenges.
"It's up to them on how they can bounce back on their business. It's a learning experience to improve their services," he added.
Chiu noted that the city already released its partial payment to the caterer amounting to P500,000 and the remaining balance is still being processed.
Chiu disclosed that the city only transacted with one food caterer during the Soca.*
