BAC junks supplier's appeal

CEBU, Philippines - The Cebu City Hall’s Bids and Awards Committee (BAC) rejected the motion for reconsideration of Ai Kalami Foods Corporation, whose officials has appealed that they be allowed to supply the food needed for the City’s P9 million feeding program for day care pupils in public schools.

BAC members Jovy Morelos and Engr. Rolando Ardoza said the committee maintained that they cannot reverse its earlier decision rejecting Ai Kalami Foods because it lacks legal requirements.

The Ai Kalami Foods Corporation earlier insisted that it has complied with all the legal requirement for it enter into government contracts for projects like feeding programs. The BAC, though, did not give credence to its claim.

BAC will now require the second lowest bidder, Virgilio and Elsa General Merchandise that bidded P8,175,140, to present documents particularly those from the Securities and Exchange Commission to show that it is allowed to enter into contracts with government in the amount of more than P8 million.

The City Nutrition Office wants to buy 367,500 eggs, specifying “extra large size” and set the ceiling price of each egg at P8.00.

Aside from the extra large size, the City Nutrition Office also wants to buy pork at more than P2 million worth and gave a ceiling price per kilo at P240. Some department stores are selling P180 per kilo of pork meat products.

The FREEMAN learned that extra large eggs are sold at P4.80 up to P5.00 only.

“Nihit man kaayo na ang extra large nga itlog kay itlog man na sa guwang na nga manok nga dili na kusog mangitlog, amo man dayon nga ibaligya ang mga guwang na nga manok,” a poultry farm employee said. (Extra large eggs are not commonly seen in the market because these are eggs of old chickens which we often dispose of immediately.)

Large size eggs are those that are greater than 2.25 oz. and weigh at least 64 grams.

The feeding program for the preschoolers in government day care centers in the city is being implemented by the Cebu City Nutrition Council headed by Ronald “Raddy” Diola who was designated by Mayor Michael Rama as action officer.

Diola explained that they agreed to give each preschooler in the 154 Day Care Centers food every after their classes. He estimated that there are about 8,000 preschoolers who will benefit from the program. — (FREEMAN)