Carcar officials oppose "Chicharon Ordinance"

CEBU, Philippines – Even before it is scheduled for the required public hearing, the proposed ordinance on nutritional content label on packages of chicharon is already opposed by Carcar officials.

That, as Gov. Gwendolyn Garcia yesterday promoted chicharon in a speech at an international culinary congress at a hotel.

Famous of its chicharon, the local officials of Carcar town led by Mayor Necifuro Apura strongly object to the provincial legislation filed by Provincial Board Member Arleigh Jay Sitoy requiring the printing of the ill-effects of chicharon (pig skin) in its packaging.

A resolution was passed by Sangguniang Bayan of Carcar on September 29, 2010 regular session and was approved by Apura on October 5, 2010.

The resolution stated, "Chicharon making has been a pre-war industry of the Municipality of Carcar, thus making it as one of our Heritage Industry."

A lot of Carcaranons are engaged in the industry as it helps them earn a living by selling the products to the different provinces of the Philippines.

"It also promotes some degree of discrimination on the chicharon industry in particular as well as the piggery/hog industry in general," the resolution further stated.

Gov. Garcia said she will support the Carcar officials.

"They can always count on my support, they have expressed their very strong objection. I had also expressed my objection, very very strong, in the stongest possible terms to such discriminatory piece of silly legislation," Garcia told reporters in reaction to the move of Carcar officials.

Garcia has made mention of chicharon during her speech before the local and foreign delegates of the International Culinary Congress in Waterfront Cebu City Hotel yesterday.

Garcia said, "Please take the time to appreciate and enjoy the beauty of Cebu and feel the warmth of the Cebuanos. And since this is a Culinary Congress, I really hope that you will have the opportunity to sample our exquisite Cebuano cuisine which include, among others, from lechon to chicharon."

Sitoy has defended his proposed ordinance. He also got irked by the "silly" tag given by the governor.

In a privilege speech last Monday, Sitoy said the "silliest" of all were the purchase of the Balili property and the controversies behind the building of the Cebu International Convention Center.

The Balili property is a 24-hectare former resort in Naga, part of which turned out to be submerged or covered by mangroves. The province has since asked for a partial refund of the nearly P99 million it paid for the property.

But Garcia urged Sitoy not to compare his chicharon ordinance to the purchase of the Balili property and the building of the Cebu International Convention Center.

Garcia said doing so would be like comparing apples and oranges. (FREEMAN)