All canteens inside the University have been scheduled for renovation starting April 2013, and will end on May of the same year. The initiative has been made in response to students calling for cleaner and more student-friendly eating areas inside the campus.
Associate Vice Chancellor for Campus Services (AVCCS) Josemari S. Calleja explains, “The renovation is part of a total effort to put in place simple, functional eating areas in DLSU that serve healthy, affordable food.”
Robert Hechanova, USG Vice President for Internal Affairs furthers, “[The renovation] goes beyond just providing an area to buy food and really providing all stakeholders with a great dining experience.”
The renovated canteens will serve as an area for faculty and staff to entertain their respective guests, aside from its usual function as a place to eat. Moreover, the renovated canteens will have better ventilation and lighting systems as recommended by some members of the DLSU community.
The plan was launched in a multi-sectoral consultation process in the first half of 2012. The USG Execom met with Calleja last year to discuss some of the renovation plans. Specifics are still being planned and discussed with the University Architect, Sylvia R. Gonzalez and the members of the Campus Development Office. Calleja adds that the total cost will only become clear once the plans are finalized.
Christer De Guia (II – AB-DSM), asserts his expectations such as “more seats” and “a greener environment,” one preferably at par with the new facilities being erected on campus such as the Henry Sy Sr. Hall. He believes that although the renovation would not take up a significant amount of time, a disadvantage would be the absence of immediate canteens within La Salle.
