Carbon modernization project: Workers from host brgys assured of priority hiring

CEBU, Philippines —  As construction works for the Carbon Public Market modernization project in Cebu City start, the project contractor has assured priority hiring of skilled workers from the three host barangays.

Cebu2World Development, Inc. (C2W), a wholly-owned subsidiary of engineering and infrastructure innovator Megawide Construction Corporation, said that the residents of Ermita, San Roque, and Santo Niño will be given preference by its subcontractors in the hiring of workers.The Carbon Market Modernization project is expected to generate at least 2,000 direct and indirect employment opportunities apart from prioritizing local suppliers and providing a boost to city tourism and farm-to-market efficiencies.  

According to the contractor, hiring for initial positions will begin this month and will ramp up as more construction works begin.

For the first phase of the project, the C2W will be hiring office-based personnel such as engineers and quality assurance officers, as well as skilled workers--steelmen, carpenters, masons, and helpers.

The applicants will undergo a screening process and will have to meet the minimum standards required for the positions.

“Cebu City, including our three host barangays has a wealth of talent that we can tap and help build for the Carbon project. We are also looking into partnerships with various institutions such as TESDA (Technical Education and Skills Development Authority) to bring entrepreneurship opportunities to interested residents,” said Cristina Angan, C2W head of commercial.  

In addition, consultations are also continuing with the barangays to identify priority corporate social responsibility programs (CSR) such as livelihood trainings to maximize the growth that the project will bring to the residents.

For instance, Angan said, C2W will be inviting carenderia operators and organized barangay groups to participate in the supplier selection process for meal providers at the construction site.

“We are identifying areas in the project where local residents can meaningfully participate, whether through business or employment. More projects will be launched in the coming months,” she said.

With the project receiving clearances to proceed, construction works for phase 1 will start this coming June. It will start with the retrofitting of the current Unit 2, which will serve as the temporary market facility for vendors in the areas of Warwick Barracks and Freedom Park while the permanent facility is being constructed. 

Phase 1 also includes the construction of a multi-level parking structure, which will have about 250 parking spaces for cars and 200 for motorcycles; its ground level will serve as a staging area for e-trikes and karumata, which will help decongest Quezon Boulevard and address the parking needs for Carbon and City Hall.

Finally, construction will also start for the 24/7 Puso Village, which will be a new Cebu destination similar in concept to international night markets such as Chatuchak in Bangkok.

C2W is investing a total of P5.5 billion for the modernization of the Carbon district. — FPL (FREEMAN)