A total of thirty-nine (39) food stalls in all six (6) canteens inside HAU, operations of every single one of them has been brought to a halt ever since the Luzon-wide enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) was implemented. Up till now, there is no certainty when they will be able to continue their livelihoods.
Overlooking the business operations of the HAU store, dormitories, and all canteens are the office of the Ancillary Services. In an interview with its administrator, Mr. Rowell M. Surla explained that each food concessionaire holds an annual contract to operate from June 1 to March 31, where many even extend their service period until summer. Because of the abrupt suspension of classes and with no telling when we will be able to return to school, many suffer from the loss of income and unemployment.
The school management decided not to charge their rental fee for the month of March and are yet to relay a detailed plan for them.
“Naaawa nga kami sa kanila. Si Tita Norms nagtatanong kung kailan . . . may opportunity na ba sila para makapagtinda na ulit sila. Wala namang request sa management. Hindi ko naman sila pwedeng palargahin ulit. Sino naman bibili?” Mr. Surla said.
For now, the university is reaching out and coordinating with the concessionaires to provide merienda for offices involved in the enrollment process within the school grounds. Entitled with an allowance for merienda, fifty-five (55) employees receive morning and afternoon snacks daily since June 8.
Only four stalls (4) are employed but the management is expanding to accommodate all concessionaires willing to participate. There is a scheduled rotation when they should deliver the snacks.
Other food stalls have resorted to doing other types of food deliveries instead.
Mr. Surla reassured there will be a meeting with the management this month to discuss what else can be possibly done for them.
