Frontline workers at Araneta City malls were recognized before the establishments began welcoming guests on May 20.
Hours before the reopening of Gateway Mall, Ali Mall, and Farmers Plaza, the Araneta City management held a small ceremony to thank mall officers and frontliners for keeping the establishments safe during the temporary closure. Social distancing and safety measures were observed during the ceremonies held simultaneously at all three malls.
“Dahil sa tulong ninyong lahat, handa na ulit tayong buksan ang ating mga pinto sa publiko (Because of your help, we are once again ready to open our doors to the public). On behalf of the Araneta City management, we salute you for your service. May you continue to keep our community safe, solid, and secure,” Mark Jacaban, operations manager of Gateway Mall, told the attendees.
Snacks with messages of inspiration and gratitude were given to the mall officers and frontliners as a token of appreciation.
Several shoppers also received treats from the “City of Firsts.” The first 300 customers at the Gateway Mall who accessed the Araneta City mobile app were notified to claim free care kits containing face masks, sanitizer, tissue, and wipes at the concierge.
Under the modified enhanced community quarantine imposed in Metro Manila, Araneta City has partially opened, as only non-leisure stores and establishments are allowed to operate. The malls are open daily from 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Strict implementation of precautionary measures to ensure mall-goers and personnel’s safety include wearing of face masks, checking of temperature and quarantine pass or ID at the entrance, physical distancing of at least one meter or two-step distance between two persons on escalators, and limiting passengers in elevators.
Disinfectant-soaked footbaths are installed at entrances, while hand sanitizer/alcohol dispensers are placed in key areas. Sanitation of establishments’ interiors and exteriors is done regularly.
Araneta City said pregnant women, the elderly, and PWDs, may visit any of the three malls so long as they are accompanied by one person.
“Most of these measures are safeguards that we’ve been implementing in Araneta City even during ECQ. We will continue to comply with government directives under MECQ. The welfare of our employees and customers is our top priority in reopening our malls,” said Antonio Mardo, senior vice president for operations of Araneta City.
