Text by: Angelou C. Mendoza
Photos by: Ehcel S. Hurna and Angelou C. Mendoza

The Bayanihan Canteen at the University of the Philippines Manila (UPM) Dorm was conceptualized with an important purpose: to provide convenience to students seeking affordable and nutritious food.

In just a little over a month, the food center has successfully achieved that.

Following its inaugural opening on Feb. 14, 2024, the food center is now bustling with hungry patrons taking advantage of its comfort and reliability.

“For me, parang nagkaroon ng place na pwede mag-gather yung ibang students ng ibang colleges sa iisang place lang. So it gives the opportunity na magkaroon ng socialization din. Tapos parang it adds din another place na pwedeng tumambay yung mga students,” College of Nursing student Alyssa Mariz said.

The Bayanihan Canteen at the UPM Dorm is an initiative between the Philippine General Hospital Bayanihan Multipurpose Cooperative (PGHBMC) and UPM officials. Aside from offering convenience to students, it also seeks to provide better nutritional sources to faculty members and other UPM employees.

The Bayanihan Canteen in UPM Dorm is open from 7AM until 6PM on weekdays, with a food menu that varies depending on breakfast, lunch, and merienda (snacks) time. The wide variety of meal selection and its pleasing ambience easily made it popular among students.

Ranee B. Niño, Chairperson of PGHBMC, shared how the new canteen was conceptualized. “Isa sa plan sana namin noon is to approach UP Manila to give something back to the constituents. Tamang-tama nandyan si Doc Mike (Chancellor Michael L. Tee), sabi niya ‘mag-open kayo ng canteen para sa mga estudyante.’ So, that’s what we did nung Feb. 14,” she said.

Niño emphasized the dedication of PGHBMC in fulfilling their social responsibility to the UP-PGH constituents, such as extending help through donations to the UP-PGH patients and guardians, wards and departments in collaboration with Fr. Ocon of the Immaculate Conception Chapel and the Chaplaincy of UP PGH, and for other calls for donations from UPM Ugnayan ng Pahinungód. She also shared their plan to give free meals to UPM students from lower income brackets in coordination with the Office of Student Affairs.

PGHBMC and UPM officials are planning to install food stalls in other areas of the campus to make food more accessible to the UPM community. They are also considering setting up a kiosk in CAS.

“Hangga’t maaari dapat iba-ibang menu, aside sa usual na dala mo dapat may special. Mostly kasi tinitingnan kung ano yung pinakamabili, yun ang nire-retain tapos nagdadagdag na lang ng mga special menu. Sinusubukan din kung tatangkilikin,” Lea Rica Santos, Consumer Store Supervisor said in a separate interview.

The Cooperative originated in 1995 as a response to the prevailing financial crisis in the country. On April 26, 1996, it was officially registered with the Cooperative Development Authority. Initially catering to PGH employees, its loan services later extended to UP Manila by 1998. In 2001, a consumer store offering reasonably priced goods was introduced.