Fooda to end retail business in Cebu

CEBU, Philippines —  Cebuano retail company Fooda Saversmart announced yesterday that it will be closing its branches on September 22, 2021 or until supplies last.

The announcement comes two weeks after its employees union filed a notice of strike before the National Conciliation Mediation Board-7.

“Thank you for supporting us for the past 19 years!” the post on the company’s Facebook page read.

“The labor dispute is not the reason for closure,” said Alan Tanjusay, spokesperson of the Associated Labor Unions-Trade Congress of the Philippines.

 Tanjusay said that the employees union who are affiliated with ALU-TUCP filed a notice of strike two weeks ago.

The filing of the notice of strike, Tanjusay said, was due to work discrimination.

Then this was followed by the termination of its union president, while the conciliation process is ongoing with the NCMB-7 to try to settle these grievances of workers as part of due process.

“However, while this is ongoing, the management issued and served to the workers notice of closure that was served last week,” Tanjusay said.

He said, however, that only around 150 employees out of the 300 employees are members of the union.

Several netizens expressed their sadness and nostalgia now that their favorite supermarket is about to close.

As of 6 p.m. last night, the closure announcement post garnered 5,700 reactions with 5,766 shares on Facebook.

“We love to buy our groceries needs in Fooda Mango. Comfortable  for us and complete items for our daily needs, and the price is very OK. We miss you Fooda. Sayang nga mo close na diay mo,” said netizen Tessie Dante.

“Fooda was our hang out after school about 35-40 years ago. It was a block away from STC at Mango Avenue. I remember their siomai, chinese lumpia and siopao.  I still remember vividly the layout where the parking lot at the front was steep, the windows were are glass and school supplies was at the front. Sad to see this store closing,” another netizen Maria Rosalie Ricaforte said.

“My childhood. Honestly, my parents couldn't afford the Barbies in (another mall), but they also don't want to buy really cheap dolls for me that are too plastic and too easy to break. It was in Fooda that I got my very first Barbie doll,” said Angela Marie Valencia Berdin.

Other netizens also are thanking the owners their great experience working at Fooda Saversmart.

Others hope that the supermarket which have been part of their childhood will soon just be back.

“Cebu will miss you. Thank you for your service and especially for your friendly neighborhood prices. Hoping you will be back,” said Carmela Ochavo-Cabasisi.  — JMD (FREEMAN)