CITY OF SAN FERNANDO, Pampanga — A local businessman has asked City Councilor Noel Tulabut to clarify an earlier communication that was widely interpreted as halting feeding prograams in schools and communities.
In a letter dated April 13, Renato G. Romero, a concerned Fernandino and advocate for good governance, urged Tulabut to issue a public clarification following confusion caused by a request sent to the Schools Division Superintendent.
Romero said the directive appeared to have resulted in the suspension of several feeding initiatives being conducted by civic groups and private donors.
While acknowledging Tulabut’s intention to regulate such activities to ensure proper coordination, safety, and accountability, Romero stressed that humanitarian programs “should not be unnecessarily disrupted.”
He suggested that feeding programs be allowed to continue while the proposed ordinance regulating these activities is still under deliberation.
Romero also recommended that the City Health Office help monitor and guide organizers to ensure compliance with health and safety standards.
To prevent further misunderstanding, he urged the councilor to adopt a more consultative process by engaging civic groups, donors, community leaders, and private sector partners before the ordinance is finalized.
Romero further proposed circulating a draft of the ordinance ahead of any public hearing so stakeholders can review and provide meaningful input.
He emphasized that the policy should remain enabling rather than restrictive to ensure that donors and volunteers continue supporting humanitarian efforts in the city.