By CESAR JOLITO III

Bacolod City Mayor Greg Gasataya has ordered all city department and office heads to submit written reports following complaints from employees about alleged spoiled food served during employees’ day held at the Bacolod City Government Center on Saturday, December 20.

Gasataya said multiple reports reached his office, including from department and office heads, raising concerns over the quality and safety of the food provided during the annual event organized by the Bacolod City Government Employees Union (BCGEU).

“This incident is disappointing and unacceptable,” Gasataya said in a statement.

“Due diligence and the highest standards of care should have been observed in the preparation and handling of food. Our employees deserve nothing less,” he added.

Gasataya said complaints surfaced shortly after the event, prompting the city to require detailed written accounts from department and office heads.

“Such reports are deeply troubling and warrant a thorough and immediate investigation,” the mayor said, stressing that employees’ day is among the most anticipated activities for city government workers.

Gasataya emphasized that the health and safety of city workers should never be compromised due to negligence or mismanagement, assuring employees that the city will take the matter seriously.

The mayor said the city government extended full support to the BCGEU as the official organizer of the celebration.

For this year’s event, a total of P3.2 million was released through a cash advance facilitated by BCGEU President Erry Lagtapon, covering all expenses, including meals for around 6,650 attendees.

He added that a meeting with BCGEU officers has already been scheduled to urgently address the issue.

“We will get to the bottom of this. This shall never happen again. Our workers deserve better,” the mayor added.

Lagtapon, for his part, said the union will issue an official statement once it is available./CJ, WDJ