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SAN JOSE, Antique – The 400 sacks of rotting NFA (National Food Authority) rice stocked in the comfort rooms of a gym here may be buried or converted into compost.
These were the only options the NFA has, said Regional Manager Rex Estoperez, who checked the sacks of rice on Monday.
The sacks of rice were a bone of contention between Gov. Rhodora Cadiao and former governor Evelio Javier.
Both camps have been pointing to each other as the one responsible for the supposed aid for typhoon “Ruby” victims.
Javier reportedly asked the NFA to release the rice supply, only to have them stocked at the EBJ Gymnasium at the Binirayan Sports Complex.
Because of this, Javier was charged with malversation before the Office of the Ombudsman, but the latter dismissed the case.
A strong foul odor emanated from the comfort rooms where the already rotting rice were stocked, Estoperez said.
He took samples of the rice to be subjected to a laboratory test at the agency’s regional office in Iloilo City.
“[After] the examination, it’s either we bury the rice or convert them into compost. At least, they’re put to use,” said Estoperez.
Estoperez visited Cadiao at the provincial capitol before heading to the sports complex along with the local press.
“Everybody who had been to the gym to play or watch an event complained about the acrid smell from the comfort rooms,” said Cadiao.
She said the comfort rooms must be cleaned as the province prepares to host the provincial sports meet “in a few weeks” and the Western Visayas Regional Athletic Association Meet in February 2017.
And “if we get the nod of Palaro[ng Pambansa] officials, Antique will host the national games in May (2017),” said Cadiao. (PNA)
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