Food sector associations demand transparency and support for MSMEs in school programs
The national and provincial associations that make up the school feeding sector in the Dominican Republic have established a clear position regarding recent allegations of irregularities in the School Feeding Program (PAE). The unions expressed their full support for any accusations to be investigated, stressing that responsibilities should fall on individuals and not harm the micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) that operate in accordance with current regulations.
During a meeting with the media, the representatives emphasized that their main objective is to safeguard the well-being, safety, and nutrition of the students who depend daily on this food service in the country.
If there are those responsible, let them be identified. If there is evidence, let it be evaluated. And if it is appropriate to sanction, let it be sanctioned according to the law.
Representatives of school feeding associations
Details about the bidding processes
Regarding the award processes for the 2026-2027 and 2027-2028 school periods, the guilds detailed that 34 territorial processes were carried out. A total of 2,644 bidders participated in these, of which 1,740 were awarded. The associations clarified that the bidding process is competitive by nature and that, although participating is a right, the award depends on strict compliance with the technical and financial requirements established in Law 340-06.
- They valued the progress in due diligence and the responsiveness of the executive director of the National Institute of Student Welfare (INABIE), Adolfo Pérez, to their concerns.
- They highlighted that MSMEs maintained food supplies from the beginning of the school year, even before receiving the corresponding advances, demonstrating their commitment to the educational sector.
- They advocated for continuing to strengthen technical, sanitary, and operational capacity criteria to raise the program’s standards.
Institutional commitment and transparency
The organizations were emphatic in pointing out that their collective representation rests with their associations, the federation that groups them, and the Dominican Confederation of Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (CODOPYME). Likewise, they clarified that any private advice to individual clients should not be confused with the official voice of the entire MSME sector.
Finally, the guilds reiterated that their priority is not to defend individual interests or possible illicit acts, but to guarantee the continuity and transparency of the School Feeding Program. They reaffirmed that, above any company, the food security of Dominican students must prevail.
