For the first time in the Ateneo Fiesta history, the Human Resource Management and Development Office (HRMDO) in coordination with the University’s non-teaching staff headed the Kakanin Festival. The said event began at 9 o’clock in the morning of August 16 in the Arrupe Hall.

In an interview with the HRM Director, Niceforo V. Solis Jr., he mentioned that having the employees join in with the Fiesta’s activities is a good community-building opportunity. In addition to that, it gives the members of the university the chance to meet the new employees and to have a break from their usual office work.

The event had multiple sponsors that included the different offices from the school such as the Leasing Office, the Office of Student Affairs, the Jesuit Community, the workers from the Community Center, and the accredited caterers of the school. The non-teaching staff took charge of the preparation of the booth, the distribution of the food, and the organization of the whole activity.

In the morning, they served a variety of kakain such as puto, kutsinta, suman, biko, palitaw, and turon. In the afternoon, they served arrozacaldo, empanada, and lumpia.  All of the food that they served was given for free to all people who would pass by their booth. As of this writing, an estimate of 300 people was served. Beside their stall, they also held some activities such as balloon bursting and a game wherein toy guns with pellets were fired towards other small toys.

Students and employees alike were able to eat and play for free, but some also offered donations to those who were in charge of the event. The proceeds from their donations would be given to the school’s Daily Bread Program.

Solis added that this event will definitely be continued in the upcoming years because of the positive response that it garnered today and that more preparations will also be done for the next Kakanin Festival.