The Bacolod City Government has announced new measures to regulate the acceptance and distribution of donated food within the Bacolod City Government Center (BCGC). This decision comes in response to a concerning discovery made during a public service event.
Foreign Object Discovered in Donated Meal
On Friday, January 16, 2026, a staff member from the Business Permits and Licensing Office (BPLO) discovered a suspicious foreign object in a cup of donated arroz caldo. The incident occurred at the BCGC's ongoing Business One-Stop Shop (BOSS), where the food was being served to clients.
City Administrator Mark Mayo described the object as "a black, solid material with unpleasant odor." The discovery was made around 10 a.m., approximately one hour after the distribution of about 300 cups of the donated rice porridge began at 9 a.m.
Immediate Response and Health Advisory
Following the discovery, the city administration acted swiftly. Mayo immediately advised all clients who processed business permits that day to seek medical consultation if they experienced any stomach discomfort.
He emphasized that the advisory was issued to ensure transparency and to allow anyone who might develop complications in the coming days to seek prompt medical attention. As of the Friday incident, no cases of stomach illness had been reported, including from the employee who made the discovery.
Mayo clarified that the fork used by the employee came from their own office, while the disposable cups were provided by the food donor.
Ongoing Investigation and Future Safeguards
The City Health Office (CHO) has taken charge of the investigation. Dr. Grace Tan, head of the CHO's Environment Sanitation Division, stated that a laboratory examination of the foreign object is underway. Results are expected by Monday, January 19.
Mayo confirmed that the food donor voluntarily submitted the object for analysis. He assured the public that the city government will immediately inform everyone if the object is found to pose any health risk once the results are confirmed.
The city government also revealed that the same donor had provided arroz caldo at the BCGC in the previous week. While stating there is no cause for public alarm, officials affirmed their commitment to safeguarding the health of employees and constituents. The new regulation on donated food is a direct consequence of this event, aiming to prevent similar occurrences in the future.
