Wilson Cordova, Laboratory Head for the Decision Sciences Department (DSI) was waiting for his change from the cashier in Animo Canteen when suddenly he noticed a cockroach inside the food warmer with two siopao inside. A canteen staff saw him gazing at the food warmer and proceeded to dispose one siopao. Cordova, however, claims that the cockroach trampled on two, and not just one siopao. He expressed disappointment with the deed and the complacency of the staff.
A similar incident in the same canteen occurred under a different concessionaire. A third year student from the College of Liberal Arts (CLA) allegedly found maggots inside the soy sauce container.
Bartholomew* was eating his lunch and he reached for the soy sauce container to pour on his meal. But as he observed, particles of the toyo were moving. He poured some on a clean plate, and discovered that there were moving creatures.
Despite the new concessionaires and renovation, similar incidents have occured in the same area, which is now a source of concern for many students and faculty.
The incident is in direct violation of Presidential Decree No. 856, or Philippine Code of Sanitation, section 20. The section entitled Vermin Control states states (a) that “spaces where food and drinks are stored, prepared and served shall be so constructed and maintained as to exclude vermin.” Vermin refers to animal species that are considered pests or nuances that often carry dangerous diseases. Those found violating this Code are subject to heavy penalties.
A possible explanation for Cordova’s experience would be that of missed periodic maintenance.
Cha Francisco, USG Vice President for Internal Affairs, who is part of the canteen inspection committee, shares that they have yet to inspect the Animo Canteen since its temporary transfer to the SPS building. She shares that inspection takes place every term.
Aina Marquez, Accounts Manager of Animo Canteen, explains that the latter undergoes monthly fumigation. She admits, however, that the most recent fumigation was done back in January when the canteen re-opened in the second floor of the SPS building.
Marquez mentions the canteen will undergo fumigation for the month of March.
Josemari Calleja, Associate Vice Chancellor for Campus Services, says that a working feedback mechanism between his office and the University Student Government (USG) has been in place since the start of the academic year.
Working with the School of Economics (SOE) and Ramon V. Del Rosario College of Business (RVR-COB) college governments, Calleja is publicizing a feedback inbox, which he personally checks. Calleja’s office, together with the USG Treasurer’s Office, also releases canteen surveys during the third term to determine how services can be improved.
When asked how monitoring canteen sanitation takes place, the aforementioned said, “The Dining Services Committee, an independent, multi-sectoral committee does a formal evaluation of the canteen services and facilities every term. [Afterwards], a report is submitted to me and the canteen concessionaires.”
He states that the committee makes use of a questionnaire at par with local health standards to make objective assessments.
As Vice President for Internal Affairs, Francisco says that the canteen inspection committee inspects the canteen area and its utensils. The committee also checks if the women are wearing hairnets and sees to it that the food preparation area is clean.
A function of concessionaire and not of place
With regard to Cordova’s experience, Marquez explains that because they are taking into consideration the safety of the students and customers, the staff responsible will be properly reprimanded.
Calleja says, “t like any organization or business, issues arise. We do our best to work together with the concessionaires and the customers, especially the students, to resolve these.”
According to Francisco, conversations with Calleja have been made and the latter’s office has already received several complaints, which might welcome bids from new conessionaires.
“The last time I talked with Mr. Jay Calleja, he was already drafting for the bidding of new concessionaires. Ang dami raw niyang narinig na bad feedback so he is fixing the mechanics – ano yung criteria na kukunin and then by April tapos na nila and by May bidding na iyan [we are fixing the criteria and particular by April. By May, the bidding will probably start]” Francisco shares.
