SMC opens Cabuyao community mart

MANILA, Philippines — Diversified conglomerate San Miguel Corp. (SMC) has opened its community market in Cabuyao Laguna,which aims to sustain the livelihood of farmers and small businesses.

In a statement yesterday, SMC said it formally opened its 4,000 square meter Circolo community weekend market.

It said 26 stalls are now operating, rent-free for six months at the market, located at the rotunda connecting Sta. Rosa and Cabuyao, Laguna in the popular Nuvali development.

“Nineteen months into the pandemic, and after several strict lockdowns, we’re glad that the farmers and small businesses that have joined this weekend market project, are beginning to see the light at the end of the tunnel. With more people vaccinated, and with a significant drop in cases the past couple of weeks, there is a noticeable confidence in the economy,” SMC president Ramon Ang said.

“We still have to be cautious and observe all health protocols – but with the holiday season fast approaching, we’re very optimistic of a recovery, especially for the agriculture sector and small entrepreneurs,” he said.

Ang said the first two weekend runs of the market were a big success for farmers and merchants, who have reported selling out their goods quickly on market days, as COVID-19 restrictions have eased throughout Metro Manila and neighboring provinces, including Laguna.

“So far, the first two weekends have been very successful, with both locals and people from out-of-town dropping by to visit and support local sellers. With the market gaining popularity in the coming months, and hopefully with the pandemic situation continuing to improve, there is already clamor from sellers for us to do night operations so sellers can cater to more customers, particularly during the Christmas season,” Ang said.

“If adding more hours will benefit more merchants and consumers, we are certainly open to it. We will consult with the local government of Cabuyao and take into consideration the prevailing situation, ensuring that we always comply with government-mandated health protocols,” he said.

Ang said the wide, open, and well-ventilated outdoor space can accommodate over 200 people, but management currently limits the number of people within the premises to only up to 80 at any given time – with minimum health protocols such as wearing of masks and social distancing, strictly enforced.

Majority of the merchants are from all over Laguna and include those supported by the City Cooperative and Livelihood Development Office (CCLDO) of Cabuyao.

Currently, vendors sell coffee, fruits and vegetables, plants, bikes, assorted food and non-food products.

SMC said one of the most-visited stalls, aside from the food outlets, is social enterprise Rural Rising PH--the company’s partner at its Better World Diliman community center in Quezon City.

The center serves as a ready-market for excess produce bought from farmers at better-than-farmgate prices, which are then offered to consumers and resellers at lower prices.