The Sangguniang Panlungsod (SP) of Bacolod City approved during the midweek session the resolution authored by Councilor El Cid Familiaran to require restaurants, food chains and other food establishments to serve half cup of cooked rice to customers if ordered.
Familiaran said, this is considering that the City of Bacolod is dependent in its rice consumption elsewhere, it shall seriously consider its shortage of rice and its continued price increases. Hence, any measure that would lessen its harsh effect should be taken into account. Among the measures which are considered doable and proactive in mitigating the impact of rice shortage and increasing its prices is to limit the wastage of rice that is served in restaurants and food chains, or such any other food businesses in the City by requiring them to serve one half (1/2) cup of cooked rice if requested by a customer. Actually, Familiaran said, countries that are hit by rice shortage are Bangladesh and China. Analysts conclude that, the causes of shortage and high prices of rice are diverse, which vary from country to country. Among other reasons include natural disasters or adverse weather patterns; high cost of fuel which adds to transport costs, hoarding and smuggling and indiscriminate conversion of agricultural lands. Philippines relies on rice imports from other Asian countries, particularly Vietnam, Thailand and Japan. In 2008, it was reported that our country has 4.2 million hectares of land devoted to rice production, but just 1.4 million hectares of which are irrigated. Therefore, Familiaran said, the Half Cup Rice Serving for Food customers in Bacolod City shall be enforced. So all businesses that operate in the City are hereby mandated to serve half cup of cooked rice when ordered by a customer. Penalty of this ordinance are: 1st Violation - A fine of not more than P2,000.00 or a penalty of imprisonment of not more than four months or both fine and imprisonment at the discretion of the Court; 2nd Violation - A fine of more than P2,000.00 but not more than P3,500.00 or a penalty of imprisonment of more than four months but not more than five months or both fine and penalty at the discretion of the Court; 3rd Violation - A fine of P 3,501.00 but not more than P5,000.00 or a penalty of six months or both fine and penalty at the discretion of the Court. Plus two months suspension of business permits.* By Edith B. Colmo Negros Daily Bulletin
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