GENERAL SANTOS CITY — The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Field Office XII has issued an official clarification following a viral social media video showing a resident’s complaint about allegedly “hard” rice included in relief goods distributed to beneficiaries in General Santos City.
The video, which quickly gained attention online, raised concerns among netizens regarding the quality and safety of the rice provided under government relief assistance programs. Some social media users even speculated that the rice was spoiled or artificial due to its unusually hard and compact appearance.
In response, DSWD XII assured the public that the rice is 100 percent safe, edible, and of good quality, emphasizing that the hardness observed is not a defect but a result of a specialized preservation process designed to extend the product’s shelf life.
According to the agency, the rice was packed using vacuum-sealed technology, a method that removes all air and oxygen from the packaging before it is sealed.
“The rice is safe for consumption. The hardness does not indicate spoilage, contamination, or any form of defect,” DSWD XII said in its statement.
The agency explained that vacuum-sealing prevents the growth of molds, insects, and weevils that commonly affect stored rice. By eliminating oxygen inside the packaging, the rice can be preserved for extended periods without the need for chemical preservatives.
Because all air is removed from the package, the rice grains become tightly compressed, causing the entire bag to feel as hard as a brick or stone.
DSWD officials stressed that this “brick effect” is a normal characteristic of vacuum-packed rice and should not be mistaken as a sign that the rice is inedible.
The department further advised beneficiaries that once the plastic packaging is opened or punctured, air naturally re-enters the bag, releasing the pressure and allowing the rice grains to return to their normal loose state.
“After opening the package, the rice can be washed and cooked just like ordinary rice,” the agency explained.
The clarification comes amid growing public discussion triggered by the viral video, which highlighted the importance of verifying information before drawing conclusions about government-issued relief goods.
DSWD XII acknowledged the concerns raised by the public and welcomed the opportunity to explain the packaging process behind the rice distribution.
The agency reiterated its commitment to ensuring that all food assistance provided to disaster victims and vulnerable families meets safety and quality standards.
“We remain fully committed to providing only safe, nutritious, and quality relief goods to our community,” the department said.
DSWD XII also encouraged beneficiaries and concerned citizens to directly coordinate with official government offices whenever questions arise regarding relief assistance and other social welfare programs.
The incident underscores how social media posts can rapidly spark public concern, while also highlighting the need for proper information dissemination to prevent misinformation, especially during relief operations where public trust is crucial.
As of posting, DSWD XII maintains that the rice distributed in the relief packs remains safe for consumption and that the unusual hardness observed by recipients is solely due to the vacuum-sealed packaging designed to preserve its quality for a longer period.