This is in response to the letter of lawyer Romulo B. Macalintal on the situation of blind masseurs at the Duty Free Philippines Fiestamall store in Parañaque (12/21/17).
At the outset, we wish to stress that DFP Corporation has consistently supported the cause of the blind masseurs and music band or rondalla by providing them an area for their operations on a rent-free basis for almost three decades now.
The massage services used to be located at the Fiestamall atrium which is an area open to the view of people going up and down the spiral ramp and was thus not an ideal location for such services. Moreover, the atrium is a venue for store special events and promotional activities where people gather. The area is also within the Customs bonded area which should be earmarked for the duty-free selling operations of the store.
For the privacy and convenience of the customers availing themselves of the massage services, management provided a less exposed area similar to the secluded massage areas in international airports. Last Dec. 5, when the gift-wrapping services were made available to shoppers, the masseurs were temporarily transferred to the food court area. Signages were placed at the atrium area and at the customer registration to make shoppers and their families aware of the temporary location of the masseurs.
Management explained to the blind masseurs the reasons for the temporary transfer. We are also coordinating the designation and preparation of a more permanent facility for their operations after the Christmas rush and the current demands on the Fiestamall’s available space and facilities.
Meanwhile, we intend to sit down with the masseurs to ensure that DFP continues to look after their wellbeing during Christmas and throughout the year.
BERNARDINE R. BELMONTE, deputy general manager for operations, Duty Free Philippines Corp.