Probe sought on "bad food" served during kids' camp

CEBU, Philippines - Tejero barangay captain Jessielou Cadungog wants an investigation into the alleged “bad food” served to the participants of the 2nd Children Summer Camp that was held recently in Boljoon town.

“It came to my attention that the food served during the five-day seminar consisted mostly of sardines and there was one time that chicken was served but no longer fit for eating. The mothers of the children we sent complaining because the children were experiencing loose bowel movement and stomachaches,” Cadungog said in a letter addressed to the office of acting city mayor Michael Rama.

“If such amount was not enough then the organizers should have increased the fee rather than serve those kind of food,” he said.

As barangay captain, Cadungog said it is his responsibility if something happened to the children.

The letter was sent through Emmanuel Nadela, the president of the Cebu City Federation of Barangay Children’s Organization (CCFBCO), the main organizer of the event. Other organizers include the Cebu City Gender and Development Federation (GAD) and the Sangguniang Kabataan Federation (SKF).

The event has over 900 participants and accompanying adults.

According to the invitation letter sent by Nadela to the barangays, the Summer Camp, which was celebrated under the theme, “Lihok Kabataan, Mahimo Nato ni!” was a five-day event that was highlighted by the community exposure through a Heritage and Nature Walk, team building challenges course, crafts learning, emergency and first aid and culminated through a barrio fiesta.

The fee of P500 included a camp t-shirt, insurance, sling bag, ID, documenters’ and facilitators’ fee and camp materials.

In response, Rama said he will have the matter immediately investigated. — Ferliza C. Contratista/WAB (THE FREEMAN)