‘HALF-RICE NA LANG, BAI!’: CEBU CITY GOV’T COMPELS FOOD ESTABLISHMENTS TO PROVIDE ‘HALF-RICE’ OPTION

By: Junex Doronio

CEBU CITY — Apparently to help the cash-strapped Cebuanos and the tourists on tight budgets visiting this reputed Queen City of the South, the Cebu City local government has ordered food establishments to provide a half-rice option to customers.

To drive home its seriousness, the city council also directed the City Health Office to inspect food establishments to ensure compliance with the ordinance.

Violators may be fined P5,000 and face possible suspension of their business permit.

Councilor Mary Ann delos Santos has called for the full implementation of a nine-year-old ordinance that prescribes the option of a half-rice serving in the food industry to achieve consumption efficiency amid the rising prices of rice.

It was in 2014 when Delos Santos authored the rice conservation ordinance of Cebu City.

Some Cebuanos, however, still eat milled corn.

Maharlika Nu Media gathered that there is an increase of P2 to P6 per kilo, depending on the brand, from July 26 to August 15.

The most famous “Ganador” which was previously sold at P48 to P52 per kilo is now sold at P49 to P56 per kilo, while the “Princess Mia” brand, which used to be sold at P44 to P47 per kilo, rose to P47 to P53 per kilo. (AI/MNM)