By Paulo Loreto Lim

In light of allegations claiming native chickens delivered to beneficiaries of the Iloilo City Integrated Food Production Program were “defective,” Iloilo City Councilor Ely Estante penned a resolution calling for an investigation into the matter.

He noted, the city council has a responsibility to see “if those involved warrant the filing of appropriate charges.”

Earlier this week, acting Iloilo City Mayor Jose Espinosa III called a meeting of relevant officials and issued orders to the Internal Audit Service (IAS) office and the City Agriculturist regarding the concern.

The situation came to light after beneficiaries, comprised of Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) beneficiaries and farmers, complained the chickens they received were underweight.

According to the terms of reference (TOR), native chickens must weigh at least 300 grams.

“We have to ensure what is given to residents are correct and adheres to the TOR, that is why we called a meeting and issued memorandum orders,” said Espinosa.

The resolution also pointed out, the supplier may have improperly fed the chickens as the intended recipients were low-income beneficiaries.

Earlier this month, 200 from the city’s Jaro district received a total of 1,000 native chickens through the city program. In addition, the city previously provided 1,875 native chickens to 375 recipients from the Mandurriao, Molo, and La Paz districts.

Meanwhile, the city council named Estante to lead the investigation./PLL, WDJ