Garcia open to reassessing mushroom program

CEBU, Philippines — Amid questions and varying opinions on the viability of Cebu City’s mushroom growing initiative as a livelihood program, Mayor Raymond Alvin Garcia said he remains open to reassessing its feasibility and welcomes suggestions for improvement.

Last Wednesday, April 9, 2025, the Commission on Elections (Comelec) approved the petition to disburse at least P310 million in funding for social services programs, projects, and dole-outs, despite the ongoing election ban on the disbursement of public funds, including for the mushroom cultivation program.

“But overall, I am happy that it has already been approved so that our services for government and for our people, dili na mabalda, mapadayon na nato,” said Garcia.

The disputed mushroom growing program of the city under the Division for the Welfare of the Urban Poor (DWUP) has a budget appropriation of P5 million. Garcia, however, clarified that Comelec did not approve the full amount they had requested.

Regarding this initiative, Garcia said he hasn’t issued a directive yet on its distribution, as they had just received the exemption a day earlier.

He added that he may need to conduct a meeting with DWUP and other officials behind the program.

In an earlier report by The Freeman, an experienced mushroom grower in Sirao, Cebu City shed light on the realities of mushroom cultivation, debunking the common belief that it is an easy livelihood to pursue. The grower emphasized that it requires precision, dedication, and proper environmental conditions.

Garcia said they will look into this and all other concerns raised on the program further.

“We will look into that kay amo naman gyud ng gi study for whoever came with that particular program. At that time, even up to now, we still think that it still viable option considering nga gamay raman nga area ang kinahanglanon,” said Garcia.

He acknowledged, however, that mushroom cultivation requires special attention. He further stated that, as with any undertaking, there are people who will be successful and others who will not be. Garcia stressed that this is the reality of any business venture.

“So, in the same manner, kining mushroom, we gave the opportunity to the people of Cebu City to have a livelihood to which they can use and perhaps to use it, but then again, not every people will be successful for doing so,” said Garcia.

In light of these uncertain outcomes, Garcia said they may need to gather more information and education, and consider reassessing the entire initiative in the coming weeks, as the mushroom growing program involves homeowners’ associations.

“So maybe we can reassess but I think we did a good job in some areas, in Budlaan, it is successful,” said Garcia, adding that they are open to suggestions and recommendations from anyone.

It can be recalled that the Cebu City Council conducted an executive session to discuss the city’s livelihood program, particularly the mushroom cultivation component. Councilor Nestor Archival, who led the probe, considers the program as “vote-buying.”

Archival, who is said to be a mushroom grower himself, explained that the program is “bound to fail,” stressing that merely providing the seed capital without further instruction on how to utilize the P4,000 is not viable.

According to him, the placement of mushrooms—some of which were just hung on walls or placed in open spaces—is ineffective and prone to contamination by dust. Archival also mentioned that DWUP has already distributed P20 million worth of seed capital.

Following the approval of the petition, Garcia emphasized that it does not mean distribution will begin immediately. He added that the distribution will be done gradually and will “possibly” begin next week and continue through the election period.

Despite this, Garcia clarified that the petition granted does not include the P35,000 Charter Day bonuses for Cebu City Hall employees. He explained that they are still awaiting Comelec's guidance on whether they need to file a separate petition for exemption to distribute these bonuses.

Today, April 11, Garcia is set to meet with officials from the National Office of Comelec in Manila to follow through on the request.

“I am going to personally ask to expedite the exemption kay you know, mao man ni ilang kahadlokan diba nga its political season manghatag gobyerno to buy votes,” said Garcia.

He defended the bonuses from any political affiliations, adding that it has long been a tradition of the government to grant bonuses to employees. –ATO (CEBU NEWS)