YR 47 Issue 1 2011
Issues
Health Service warns students against eating in nearby carinderias
By MARIE ANGELINE M. PAGULAYAN
MOST students living on a tight budget are inclined to eat in small carinderias around the campus to satisfy their hunger. But at what consequences are students willing—or unwilling to get—in exchange of cheap food?
Before the opening of classes, the Manila Sanitary Inspector’s Office conducted a surprise inspection of cafeterias around the University Belt. The inspection revealed that a number of these canteens—including
those at V. Concepcion, Dapitan, and España—do not have sanitary permits and license to operate.
In a footage aired at 24 Oras last June 1, it was revealed that most of the cheap eateries surrounding the University have unsanitary kitchens that house rodents,
Before the opening of classes, the Manila Sanitary Inspector’s Office conducted a surprise inspection of cafeterias around the University Belt. The inspection revealed that a number of these canteens—including
those at V. Concepcion, Dapitan, and España—do not have sanitary permits and license to operate.
In a footage aired at 24 Oras last June 1, it was revealed that most of the cheap eateries surrounding the University have unsanitary kitchens that house rodents,
cockroaches and other insects, while uncovered trash are placed near the prepared food.
“This is very alarming and worrisome. Our students are in danger of contracting diseases if they eat contaminated and unhygienically prepared food in violation of the Sanitation Code of the Philippines,” said Dr. Maria Salve Olalia, Health Service director.
Article 3, Section 14 of the Presidential Decree 856 also known as “The Sanitation Code of the Philippines”
states that no person or entity shall operate a food establishment “without securing a permit from the local
health office,” whereas, Section 20 states that “a pest abatement program shall be maintained in the establishments by their owners, operators, or administrators.”
Olalia said safety measures such as regular but unannounced sanitary inspections in food establishments and a plan to conduct a Food Safety Summit for the food concessionaires on and off campus are being implemented to ensure the well-being of Thomasians. According to her, such measures are done to empower students’ right to eat healthy and safe food and to help students learn more about food safety practices.
In October 2010, the sub-committee on Food Safety was formed by the University’s Crisis Management Committee. It is tasked to implement the University’s policy on food safety based on the Sanitation Code of the Philippines.
Real-life cases
According to Olalia, there have been patients who were admitted at the UST Hospital because of eating in dirty food stalls. They have also received complaints from students, parents, and visitors.
“These unsanitary food establishments on and off-campus have long been a major concern,” she said.
The common illnesses that can be acquired from eating in these dirty cafeterias are diarrhea, typhoid fever, and hepatitis A.
Two years ago, a number of Thomasian students complained to the Health Service of food poisoning after eating in a restaurant near the University. Shortly after, water in V. Conception street tested positive for E. coli, a kind of bacteria that causes diarrhea, vomiting, and severe cramps.
Artlets’ side
Meanwhile, Arts and Letters (Artlets) dean Michael Anthony Vasco advised students who have the easiest access in Dapitan to maximize the food establishments available in the carpark instead of eating in unsafe canteens.
“[It is suggested that they] use the cafeterias inside the University. We have enough in the carpark and cafeterias in other faculties or colleges,” he said.
“Students must be vigilant about this kind of situation wherein their health would be concerned. The councils or administration could not go micro on these matters so be aware and be responsible enough to take care of yourself,” Julius Fernandez, Artlets Student Council president, said.
For third year Economics student Mary Del Jasa, who was once a frequenter in eating affordable and delicious food in Dapitan, she would rather eat in the carpark than in nearby streets to ensure her safety. “There is a little difference in the prices of food but those located at the carpark are safer,” she said. Journalism sophomore Reden Madrid said he would still prefer food establishments outside the University to the carpark because of practicality reasons.
“Aside from being expensive, most food stalls in the carpark are fast food chains. I prefer to eat home-cooked dishes in cafeterias outside UST—those that are obviously clean,” he said.
“I find the food sold in Dapitan more satisfying,” senior Communication Arts student Vanessa Banks said. “Are not fast foods also harmful because of the chemicals they use?” she added, pointing the unhealthy consequence of eating in instant food chains.
Olalia said the UST Health Service is still waiting for the report from the Manila Sanitary Inspector’s Office for the list of cafeterias who complied with the requirements before they can disclose information to students.
The inspection of canteens was carried out in coordination with the Sanitary Inspector’s Office, the UST Health Service, and the UST Food Safety Committee in compliance with the memorandum of the Commission on Higher Education regarding the preparations for academic year 2011 to 2012
“This is very alarming and worrisome. Our students are in danger of contracting diseases if they eat contaminated and unhygienically prepared food in violation of the Sanitation Code of the Philippines,” said Dr. Maria Salve Olalia, Health Service director.
Article 3, Section 14 of the Presidential Decree 856 also known as “The Sanitation Code of the Philippines”
states that no person or entity shall operate a food establishment “without securing a permit from the local
health office,” whereas, Section 20 states that “a pest abatement program shall be maintained in the establishments by their owners, operators, or administrators.”
Olalia said safety measures such as regular but unannounced sanitary inspections in food establishments and a plan to conduct a Food Safety Summit for the food concessionaires on and off campus are being implemented to ensure the well-being of Thomasians. According to her, such measures are done to empower students’ right to eat healthy and safe food and to help students learn more about food safety practices.
In October 2010, the sub-committee on Food Safety was formed by the University’s Crisis Management Committee. It is tasked to implement the University’s policy on food safety based on the Sanitation Code of the Philippines.
Real-life cases
According to Olalia, there have been patients who were admitted at the UST Hospital because of eating in dirty food stalls. They have also received complaints from students, parents, and visitors.
“These unsanitary food establishments on and off-campus have long been a major concern,” she said.
The common illnesses that can be acquired from eating in these dirty cafeterias are diarrhea, typhoid fever, and hepatitis A.
Two years ago, a number of Thomasian students complained to the Health Service of food poisoning after eating in a restaurant near the University. Shortly after, water in V. Conception street tested positive for E. coli, a kind of bacteria that causes diarrhea, vomiting, and severe cramps.
Artlets’ side
Meanwhile, Arts and Letters (Artlets) dean Michael Anthony Vasco advised students who have the easiest access in Dapitan to maximize the food establishments available in the carpark instead of eating in unsafe canteens.
“[It is suggested that they] use the cafeterias inside the University. We have enough in the carpark and cafeterias in other faculties or colleges,” he said.
“Students must be vigilant about this kind of situation wherein their health would be concerned. The councils or administration could not go micro on these matters so be aware and be responsible enough to take care of yourself,” Julius Fernandez, Artlets Student Council president, said.
For third year Economics student Mary Del Jasa, who was once a frequenter in eating affordable and delicious food in Dapitan, she would rather eat in the carpark than in nearby streets to ensure her safety. “There is a little difference in the prices of food but those located at the carpark are safer,” she said. Journalism sophomore Reden Madrid said he would still prefer food establishments outside the University to the carpark because of practicality reasons.
“Aside from being expensive, most food stalls in the carpark are fast food chains. I prefer to eat home-cooked dishes in cafeterias outside UST—those that are obviously clean,” he said.
“I find the food sold in Dapitan more satisfying,” senior Communication Arts student Vanessa Banks said. “Are not fast foods also harmful because of the chemicals they use?” she added, pointing the unhealthy consequence of eating in instant food chains.
Olalia said the UST Health Service is still waiting for the report from the Manila Sanitary Inspector’s Office for the list of cafeterias who complied with the requirements before they can disclose information to students.
The inspection of canteens was carried out in coordination with the Sanitary Inspector’s Office, the UST Health Service, and the UST Food Safety Committee in compliance with the memorandum of the Commission on Higher Education regarding the preparations for academic year 2011 to 2012
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Year 47 | Issue 1 | 2011
