The Cebu Provincial Police Office (CPPO) has opened its own coffee shop at its headquarters in Sitio Sudlon, Barangay Lahug, Cebu City, to cater to the needs of its personnel.
But the coffee shop, named “Noy Honesto Coffee Shop,” is unmanned and relies on the honesty of its customers. Senior Supt. Noel Gillamac, director of CPPO, said the store is inspired by a cafe in Batangas.
“We want to inculcate values to our personnel that in whatever undertakings, integrity and honesty are important for us to grow,” he said.
The shop, funded by a police cooperative, is in the lobby of CPPO building and sells coffee, biscuits, candies and instant cup noodles, which are put on a long table.
Fresh bread, such as pan de sal and ensaymada, made by inmates from the Cebu Provincial Detention and Rehabilitation Center, are also delivered every morning.
A photo of Noy Honesto, a baker who is drinking coffee, is plastered on the wall. This is a caricature of Pinocchio, whose nose would grow every time he lies.
Gillamac said they also chose this kind of business because they are always busy. They only designated PO1 Devie Silva as store manager who would ensure that the refreshments are available.
“In this way, our police officers can still attend to their daily duties,” he said.
A list of the items with corresponding prices is placed on the wall so customers would know how much they would pay. The payments are put in a jar.
The store, Gillamac said, would also help develop entrepreneurial skills of police personnel who want to sell their goods.
Silva said the cooperative shelled out almost P50,000 for the refreshments, chairs and tables.
Since the store started operating last week, she said no one has been dishonest after they found no discrepancy during their inventory, which is done every 5 p.m.