Goods distributed before expiration
We are writing to clarify the issue raised in the article written by Ric Obedencio entitled “Government distribution to two towns: Canned in food packs found expired,” which was published in your paper on Jan. 14.
The article mentioned that the food packs the government distributed to municipalities of Sikatuna and Balilihan in Bohol were “expired” and “unsafe for human consumption.”
We would like to emphasize that the goods were in good condition when the local government units (LGUs) withdrew these food packs from the Department.
On Oct. 26, 2015, the LGU of Sikatuna requested for 150 food packs for the implementation of disaster-mitigating activities through the Food-for-Work (FFW) program. A month later, on Nov. 27, 2015, the LGU withdrew the food packs from our Social Welfare and Development (SWAD) office in Bohol.
Upon release of the goods, the SWAD office informed the LGU that the canned corned beef had an expiry date of Dec. 29, 2015 and that they should implement the activities immediately so the goods can be distributed before their expiration.
On Jan. 5, 2015, the LGU informed the SWAD office that they were unable to finish the implementation of the FFW by Dec. 29 as the town celebrated its founding anniversary. The SWAD office advised the LGU to return the expired goods that were subsequently replaced.
On the other hand, the Balilihan LGU requested for 100 food packs and four boxes of coffee also for disaster-mitigating activities in two barangays. These were withdrawn from the SWAD office on Dec. 12, 2015.
The corned beef in the food packs also had expiration date of Dec. 29, 2015. Balilihan completed the activities on Dec. 15, 2015, or two weeks before the expiry of the canned goods.
The Department has not been negligent in providing advice to the LGUs that the goods should be immediately distributed.
We hope that we have clarified the issue and look forward to the publication of this letter in your paper. — CEZARIO JOEL
ESPEJO, Director, Social Marketing Service, DSWD