THE Mandaue City Government is seeking to reach an understanding with the Cebu Provincial Government to accept the city’s 397 unsold rice stocks from the Sugbo Merkado Barato (SMB) program in order to resolve the issue.
Although no formal proposal has been made, City Administrator Sally Malig-on said on Thursday, Aug. 14, 2025, that this is the intent of Mayor Thadeo “Jonkie” Ouano. He noted that discussions are ongoing and that, at times, “silence is better.”
Malig-on added that informal talks with the Province have taken place, but for now, the unsold stocks remain stored in Barangay Tawason.
He said that if the Province refuses to take the rice, the City will explore alternative disposal options.
Ouano earlier announced plans to return the rice, citing the absence of a formal agreement on the supply arrangement.
However, the Cebu Provincial Government declined, saying that the rice was no longer fit for consumption and that Mandaue had verbally agreed to manage its disposal.
A joint inspection by the City Agriculture and Health Offices on Aug. 4 revealed signs of contamination in several opened sacks. Samples from unopened ones were submitted to the Department of Agriculture Central Visayas for testing.
Following the inspection, Ouano ordered an immediate halt to all sales and distribution, instructing that the rice not be sold or redistributed for safety reasons.
The rice formed part of the SMB program launched in 2023 under then-governor Gwendolyn Garcia, aimed at offering affordable rice and basic goods to low-income families.
City Social Welfare Services Office head Michael Pielago said the City made strong efforts to sell the rice when distribution began in January 2024.
However, sales were slow due to worm infestations, low purchase limits and difficulties in reaching residents in remote areas.
In January 2025, the Province informed the City it would be financially responsible for the unsold stocks, an obligation Pielago said had not been previously disclosed. They then proposed either returning the rice or raising purchase limits to boost sales, but both suggestions were rejected by the Capitol.
Despite the stalemate, Malig-on stressed that the City remains open to dialogue and hopes to reach a fair, mutually beneficial resolution.
“We want to settle this matter with the Capitol in a way that is fair to both parties,” he said. / CAV