BACOLOD City — The Bacolod City Government Employees’ Union (BCGEU) has imposed a two-year ban on two caterers involved in a food spoilage incident during the Bacolod City Government Year-End Assessment and Employees’ Day celebration held on December 19, 2025.
City Administrator Atty. Mark Mayo said the caterers supplied the food packs served during the BCGEU-organized activity at the Bacolod City Government Center (BCGC).
Following the incident, BCGEU President Erry Lagtapon said an internal investigation was conducted after reports surfaced that hundreds of packed meals served during the event were spoiled.
Mayo said that on January 19, Lagtapon informed him that the union’s board had approved a resolution disqualifying the two suppliers from providing catering services for all BCGEU-funded activities for the next two years.
However, Mayo clarified that the ban does not automatically apply to city-sponsored events, as the incident involved an activity organized by the BCGEU.
Based on the union’s findings, 1,124 food packs were identified as spoiled or damaged. This prompted the BCGEU to impose sanctions amounting to P224,800, which will be deducted from the caterers’ payments.
The sanctions were computed on a pro rata basis, as one supplier delivered 2,650 food packs while the other supplied about 4,000 packs.
The total value of the food supplied was estimated at P1.3 million and will be apportioned between the two suppliers based on the number of food packs delivered.
Mayo said the BCGEU will formally serve the board resolution to the concerned caterers to ensure proper communication and enforcement.
Earlier, the BCGEU issued a public apology to city government employees affected by the incident, acknowledging that the situation fell short of the standard of service the employees deserve.
Mayo said the investigation showed that the food was properly cooked but may have spoiled after being exposed to high temperatures during transport.
To prevent a similar incident, the BCGEU announced corrective measures, including the creation of a separate food distribution committee for future Employees’ Day celebrations, the exploration of additional catering options, and a possible shift to a coupon-based food system with standby food outlets such as inasal restaurants./PN
