Donated rice buried

ALBAY—At least 21 sacks of rice intended for victims of Typhoon “Glenda” in Tabaco City were declared unfit for human consumption and buried after they were drenched by rainwater during the typhoon.

Tabaco City Councilor Lourdes Berces, in a phone interview on Wednesday, said she learned about the case during the regular session of the city council on Monday when an assessment of the typhoon was made.

Berces said Cristina Bonagua, social welfare development officer in Tabaco City, admitted during the session that a day before the typhoon struck on July 15, she gave orders for the transfer of relief items, including sacks of rice, noodles and canned goods, to the City Hall for repacking.

Bonagua, during the session, was quoted as saying she did not expect the strong winds to destroy the door and windows of the city hall building, letting rainwater in.

The spoiled rice, valued at P42,000, was buried in Barangay San Vicente in Tabaco City. Ma. April Mier, Inquirer Southern Luzon