By Jennifer P. Rendon and Rjay Zuriaga Castor
The incident occurred during the College of Business and Management Business Innovators’ Zone Conference at the GSU campus in Buenavista, Guimaras, from November 14 to November 16.
Authorities said the students consumed spaghetti on November 15 which is believed to be the source of the food poisoning.
It was reported that 70 kilograms of spaghetti were prepared for around 1,400 participants, but only over 300 attendees consumed the meal. Some students, however, took leftover spaghetti home, potentially affecting family members.
“Our priority remains the welfare and recovery of our students. We are investigating the incident and will take necessary measures to prevent similar occurrences,” the GSU administration said in a statement.
The university said affected students are being closely monitored and that it will provide assistance for medical expenses incurred.
It also urged those experiencing symptoms to seek immediate medical attention.
Many students who consumed the spaghetti reported severe stomach pain, headaches, and vomiting shortly after eating the meal.
At least 230 students of the state-run Guimaras State University (GSU) and some of their relatives were hospitalized for suspected food poisoning.
Colonel Rhea Santos, director of the Guimaras Police Provincial Office (GPPO), said the affected students had attended the Business Innovators Zone Convention 2.0 (BIZCON 2.0) on November 15.
The 175 students, enrolled in Business Management at the GSU campus in Barangay Mclain, Buenavista, Guimaras, and some of their family members sought medical attention late afternoon on November 16.
As of November 17, records indicated that 42 students were taken to the Buenavista Emergency Hospital, while 126 patients were brought to Dr. Catalino Gallego Nava Provincial Hospital in Jordan, Guimaras, and seven are in the Guimaras Specialist Medical Center.
Only two patients remained confined at the provincial hospital, while 133 were discharged after treatment.
Police first received reports around 7 p.m. on November 16, when several students were taken to the Buenavista Emergency Hospital.
When officers from the Buenavista Municipal Police Station arrived, they found students and family members waiting outside the hospital to be examined.
“They all exhibited similar symptoms: vomiting, nausea, and diarrhea,” Santos said.
She added that the students had felt unwell as early as Friday evening but dismissed their symptoms, hoping they would improve.
Instead, their condition worsened, prompting them to seek medical help.
By late evening, additional students and family members sought treatment at the provincial hospital.
Santos said the suspected source of the food poisoning was spaghetti served during the event.
Reports indicated that the event organizers had hired a local cook to prepare 70 kilograms of spaghetti for approximately 1,400 participants.
The cook, a barangay tanod, was assisted by his wife and two children in preparing the food. His daughter also attended the event.
The pasta was cooked at 1 a.m. on November 15, and the sauce was prepared at 6 p.m.
Santos said the spaghetti was served as a morning snack from 10 a.m. to noon and was intended for all participants.
However, only 594 college students and about 20 senior high school students attended the morning session.
By the afternoon, the number of participants dropped to 338.
“Because there were many leftovers, the spaghetti was served again as an afternoon snack,” Santos said.
Some students even packed leftover spaghetti to bring home, which reportedly affected their family members as well.
Santos said health officials visited the cook’s house to inspect the site and gather potential evidence.
Authorities are investigating the incident to determine if anyone should be held liable.
“Our priority remains the welfare and recovery of our students. We are investigating the incident and will take necessary measures to prevent similar occurrences,” the GSU administration said in a statement.
The university said affected students are being closely monitored and that it will provide assistance for medical expenses incurred.
