UP community on ‘DiliMall’ opening: ‘Do not commercialize the services to the people’

Various organizations expressed disapproval towards the increasing commercialization of the University of the Philippines Diliman's (UPD) campus areas, especially the “DiliMall,” as it puts certain community sectors at risk.

During a media briefing on Tuesday, March 12, various groups within the UP community such as the University Student Council, Shopping Center Association, UP Academic Workers Union, UP Workers Alliance, Movement for Democratic Governance, and Local College Councils came together to introduce the “UP Not for Sale Network.” 

This coalition advocates for the priorities of the UP community and opposes the commercialization of DiliMall.

Their slogan is “Prioritize UP Community! Stop the Commercialization of Dilimall! Serbisyo sa Tao, Huwag Gawing Negosyo!”

The event was held in line with the impending opening of “DiliMall,” to replace the UP Shopping Center—an area where items and services were “easily accessible and affordable” to the community—but is now commercialized, and which was believed to cause inconvenience for the UP community given the higher rental fees for vendors, which will lead to higher prices of commodities. 

UP Diliman University Student Council chairperson Mary Sunshine Reyes said the commercialization is a concrete manifestation of less food services in a already limited set-up and a loss of livelihood for some vendors or “maninindas,” as promised slots to conduct business were not given, and that the Area 2, a street with community-based food services is also about to close. 

“It is crucial to recognize that the issue at hand transcends mere infrastructure. It symbolizes the erosion of fundamental student services and in the face of relentless neo-liberal agendas that prioritize profit over people. It is in combat upon the administration to champion the rights and the well-being of the community,” Reyes said. 

Meanwhile, Samahan ng mga Manininda sa UP Campus chairperson Narry Hernandez said the UP administration continues to give priority to large entrepreneurs and corporations more than the community of “Iskolar ng Bayan” and the underprivileged vendors in the campus. 

He added that the system in UP Diliman gradually changes, as it does not listen anymore to the students, which are the largest stakeholders of the institution.