City, Megawide ink deal for Carbon makeover

CEBU, Philippines —  The Cebu City government yesterday signed a joint venture agreement with Megawide Construction Corp. for the redevelopment of the Carbon Public Market, with the first phase expected to begin in March.

Mayor Edgardo Labella signed on behalf of the city government, while Louie Ferrer, chief corporate affairs and branding officer, represented MCC.

This early, Labella assured no vendors will be displaced with the redevelopment.

“I have constantly assured our market vendors, stall owners and ambulant vendors that they will not be displaced. The city will always care for our vendors as they are the lifeblood of Carbon Market,” he said.

Ferrer said the project will be shouldered 100 percent by Megawide.

It will be done in phases. Phase 1, which would cost P5 billion, is targeted to start by March and is expected to be completed in three to four years, said Ferrer.

Among the first components of the project is a night market near Compania Maritima building, which is envisioned to be operational by October.

“It will be followed by other developments in the area, so pasulod ta,” said Ferrer.

He also mentioned that even with the ongoing construction, the Carbon Public Market will still be operational.

Ferrer said there will be available space where the vendors can be transferred while the area is being redeveloped.

“Ang among commitment, wa gyu’y ma-displace nga vendors. We will do our best to put them in areas nga available,” he said.

Megawide submitted its unsolicited proposal to the Cebu City government on October 11, 2019 and was awarded original proponent status on March 9, 2020.

‘Haste makes waste’

Vice Mayor Michael Rama was not in attendance at the contract signing as he was at the formal opening of Carcar City Public Market. He said he received the invitation late.

His non-appearance, he explained, had nothing to do with the questions he earlier raised regarding the project. In the end, though, City Council decided to authorize Mayor Edgardo Labella to sign the JVA in a 10-8 vote.

In a privilege speech last week, Rama reminded the rest of the council not to do it on a hurry as “haste makes waste.”

“It may be a beautiful project but there are still a lot of concerns that need to be addressed,” he said.

“I’m after transparency and accountability. There are concerns that needed to be addressed,” he added.

When asked to comment on the report that some councilors signed as witnesses to the agreement, Rama said he is not the kind who will hostage fellow members of the council.

“Wala sa akong kinaiya nga mo-hostage. Kung gusto silang mamirma, ila na nang lookout, basta si Mike Rama, ninaog unya ni-participate to give his view. Now whatever worth it may serve, basta on record, naa koy gipahimatngon nila,” he said.

“I’m only the presiding officer. Ila namang gi-decisionan, and it has to be respected as a document coming from the council,” he added. — Mary Ruth R. Malinao, JMD (FREEMAN)