CH to deploy 15 mobile markets

CEBU, Philippines — At least 15 mobile markets will be deployed in Cebu City during the one month enhanced community quarantine to lessen social contacts in public markets.

Cebu City Mayor Edgardo Labella announced yesterday that 15 market suppliers have already promised to deliver goods to the barangays through mobile markets.

“Dunay na tay 15 na mga market suppliers na mag hanay sa 15 ka mga mobile markets labing menos. Naa na dira tanan, gi andam na nato and it will go around the city,” said Labella.

The mobile markets will be selling goods such as meat, chicken, fish, vegetables, fruits, and eggs. Labella said the mountain barangays will be prioritized in the deployment of mobile markets to prevent people from going out to buy essentials in the public markets.

Meanwhile, Labella said they are now considering house-to-house distribution of financial assistance to senior citizens and persons with disability because of the ongoing health crisis.

The mayor said they are still working on the mechanics on how to distribute without disregarding the social distancing protocol. He said delivering the assistance to every household is an option if only to minimize social contact.

The mayor admitted that doing the usual distribution at the barangay sports complex may only cause harm to the senior citizens who are considered the most vulnerable to the virus.

The city government is scheduled to distribute P2,000 financial assistance on April. Labella has tasked City Administrator Floro Casas, City Legal Officer Rey Gealon, Association of Barangay Councils (ABC) President Franklyn Ong, and Councilors Raymond Garcia, Donaldo Hontiveros, Joel Garganera, and Prisca Niña Mabatid to work on the mechanics.

As the enhanced community quarantine takes effect at noon today, Labella has requested all shipping companies to sound the sirens of their vessels to signal the start of its implementation. Labella said this is necessary to make the people aware of the situation. He likewise asked the different churches in Cebu City to ring their bells at noon.

Casas said the city will hire more buses to ferry people who need to buy basic commodities. From the 20 buses plying the usual routes, another 20 will be added on routes that will be needed.  FPL (FREEMAN)