FOR TWO decades, the UST car park was more than a place to eat – it was a daily stopover, a hub of convenience, and, for many, even a repository of campus memories.
Many Thomasians were thus shocked when the Varsitarian broke the story that the ever-reliable food stalls would soon need to vacate the premises.
“I felt sad over the news,” said communication junior Shantelle Quintana, recalling how the car park became an essential part of student life.
“It’s like an essential to most of the students kasi it’s easy, accessible, and it’s convenient to go [to].”
An Oct. 21 memorandum from Avent Holdings Corp., obtained by the Varsitarian, cited the termination of lease agreements in mid-November, coinciding with the impending expiration of the agreement between UST and Selegna Holdings Corp., the private contractor and operator of the Multi-Deck Parking (MDP) building.
READ: Concessionaires told to vacate UST carpark by mid-November | The Varsitarian
“Noong nakita ko ‘yong news, una ko kaagad naisip na more than that, it’s convenient for us, students. Una ko naisip na ang daming [mawawalan] ng trabaho kasi alam naman natin na pinupuntahan talaga siya ng students,” communication junior Monica Quiboloy told the Varsitarian.
Quiboloy recalled how, during his first year, he had his first meal at the Pancake House with his mother.
“For sure, the students and parents, they would want the food experience [in UST as well],” he added.
Junior architecture student Alessandro De La Paz shared the sentiment.
“Our building’s quite far from the car park, but I do know a lot of people eat there. It’s always crowded,” he said.
‘Deteriorating’ building condition
Students nonetheless raised concerns about the 20-year-old car park building’s condition, which has prompted the Facilities Management Office (FMO) to assume responsibility for its upkeep.
They also expressed high expectations on the upcoming rehabilitation and turnover of management to UST.
Business economics freshmen Schyler Caniamaso and Seth Mandac said students should have a higher parking slot allocation and discounts.
“Most of the time I go here, it’s always full parking. Even though I show up to class three hours early, I still can’t find [a] parking [slot],” Caniamaso said.
Mandac said: “It’s really hard to justify buying the car sticker. And the student discount shouldn’t be just at 12 p.m. onwards—it should be all around, as long as you’re a student.”
The P500 UST car sticker, available through the student portal, is valid for one academic year upon issuance, and is required to park inside UST.
Apart from the MDP, at least 78 parking spaces were allotted for students across the campus.
Environmental biology senior Robbin Garcia hopes to see a better floor layout after rehabilitation. Just 10 establishments on the first floor can be accessed without entering the car park proper.
“The stalls are hard to spot as they’re inside the carpark itself. I think it would be better [if more] stalls are outside, so that would give easier access to the students,” Garcia said.
UST Senior High School alumna Selene Ng and chemical engineering freshman Kathlyn Somera both noted the poor ventilation and airflow inside the facility.
“I hope it’s cleaner and the air is more ventilated because it’s quite hot in the carpark,” Ng said.
Somera said,“[Sana ma-improve] ‘yong ventilation since pagpasok mo doon, sobrang mainit talaga.”
The combination of exhaust fumes from vehicles and heat from cooking poses a hazard, said junior communication student Juzziel Maglanque.
“That amount of heat inside a closed space with food, mga nagluluto—it’s so risky, lalo na it’s a carpark. Ang daming cars, engines, and anything wrong can happen,” Maglanque said.
‘Hopeful’ for car park’s return
Thomasians interviewed by the Varsitarian said they hoped the food stalls inside the carpark would eventually return after the transition to UST management.
“Hopefully, there’s a chance that some stalls can still remain there and maybe reopen … it’s a big decision they’re making and the carpark is a really big deal,” De la Paz said.
For information technology freshman Guian Correa, having food options on campus helps keep students safe.
“Mas safe talaga sa loob ng campus, so it would be a little alarming to see more students outside [kasi] may chance rin na dumami ‘yong mga mandurukot, lalo na kung marami silang makikita [na estudyante] sa labas,” Correa said.
Once the contract between the University and Selegna Holdings expires in mid-November, the FMO will temporarily oversee the MDP’s operations, while the Office of the Vice Rector for Finance (OVRF) will handle the food establishments. With reports from Fritz Nathan A. Diaz
