𝐁𝐔 𝐋𝐚𝐛𝐞𝐥𝐬 𝐝𝐫𝐚𝐰𝐬 𝐟𝐥𝐚𝐤 𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐫 ’𝐥𝐚𝐜𝐤 𝐨𝐟 𝐚𝐜𝐜𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐛𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐲’ 𝐨𝐧 𝐝𝐞𝐥𝐚𝐲𝐞𝐝 𝐦𝐞𝐫𝐜𝐡

The official merchandise arm of Bicol University - University Student Council (BU-USC), BU Labels, received multiple complaints from students demanding accountability over unclaimed pre-ordered items such as jackets, t-shirts, and caps which were pre-ordered last February.

Students took student forums to express frustration over the prolonged delays which only started after BU Labels’ Facebook page remained inactive since June 13 with its last post announcing the claiming of Fornax Windbreakers.

Delayed Claiming

Many students expressed their frustration regarding the delayed merchandise claiming which disrupted their personal schedules.

One architecture student vented the frustrations of many saying, “I was hoping that on the next release date makukuha ko na siya and ilang beses po ako nag pabalik-balik just for me to get the merch pero lagi kong nasasaktuhan na walang tao or bantay. As uwian, ang hassle po magpapa-balik-balik just to get the merch.”

In response, BU Labels released an official statement through the USC’s channels, assuring students that all merchandise is available for pick-up at Tindahan ni Isko inside the OSAS Office.

“To address delays in claiming, I’ve personally committed to opening Mondays for merchandise release. I’ve also worked with the new BM to align the schedule of the Tindahan for more consistent availability,” Izel Manata, former Business Manager (BM) and current External Vice Chairperson (EVC) explained.

The advisory clarified that emails were sent to all successful order claimants via Google forms in which students who have not received an email were advised to directly contact Manata, or Business Manager Lorenz Sayson, with their proof of payment and order details.

Manata also said that one of their biggest challenges is the unavailability of the assigned attendants to manage the Tindahan given their academic workloads which they already directed to the Office of the President.

“We are in active discussions with the Office of the President to incorporate the Student Assistant Program, similar to the University Library, so that we can provide part-time employment to students specifically for this purpose.”

Unresponsive Page

Students have suggested lodging a formal Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) complaint calling on supporters to utilize their platform to expose the owner of BU Labels and what some referred to as a “ninja store.”

“Magpaparamdam pa ba yung BU Labels o ireport na lang sa DTI Philippines? Hindi na rin ma message eh, di naman valid reason na di niyo maaccess yung page, gawa ng paraan ayaw? Last update niyo June 13 pa anong petsa na?” a student commented.

Manata also explained that they had limited access to the page given that after turnover and the recurring ‘inconsistencies and issues’ on the platform.

“2023-2024 BM still has full access up to this time. We had to remove others and try to streamline control, which took time and coordination,” she stated. Sometimes it would open with restrictions, then function normally again, only for the access to disappear once more.”

She added that the setbacks on the updates are worsened by the consolidation of multiple admin roles, managing leadership transitions, and dealing with the operational workload from BU Labels and Tindahan, which she apologized for.

Nonetheless, BU students remain skeptical and expressed their disappointments through humor which one self-described ‘top fan’ of BU Labels who highlights their other unsuccessful attempts to obtain merch, stating: “naging top fan na ako kan BU Labels kaka stalk kung may update na lamang su baby tee.”

Response to Student Calls

Students questioned the merchandise arm’s accountability and management noting that an official statement was only released after rumors about a DTI complaint surfaced.

“laro naman ng BU Labels, saka lang naglabas ng statement after months of silence kung kailan nagkaroon na ng plano yung students na magreklamo sa DTI,” a student vented.

“I believe po na sa mismanagement po nila yan,” a student said. “There are other ways po para makapag update about sa kung ano na po nangyari sa order namin since marami pa po sa amin ang hindi nakaka claim. Sana nagawan ng paraan po ka agad.”

Despite these criticisms, BU Labels and USC assured the community that merchandise distribution is ongoing with approximately 80% of the merchandise being claimed and that refunds for students who cannot claim will be allowed.

“Please rest assured: all merchandise is prepared and ready for release. We are committed to ensuring that everyone receives what they rightfully ordered,” Manata said. “We are open to refund requests. Any student who wishes to request a refund may do so by presenting their payment confirmation and order receipt.”

As of press time, the claiming of said merch remains available at Tindahan ni Isko, though many students continue to demand clearer schedules and consistent updates.

via James Edward Tambobong, Unibê EIC

Layout | Lander San Buenaventura, Layout Artist