Vendors trade outside locked town market

CEBU, Philippines -  Some members of the Minglanilla Vendors Multi-Purpose Cooperative, who refused to transfer to the new public market in Barangay Tulay, have now preferred to conduct business outside the padlocked market.

Last Thursday night, the vendors held a prayer vigil outside the old market when personnel coming from the government and police arrived in the area.

Market administrator Ramsy Sayson padlocked the entrance gate of the market leaving only the back gate open.

According to the vendors, the new stall can be obtained by an applicant-vendor for a one-time payment of P50,000, notwithstanding monthly rentals, other fees, charges and taxes.  

Municipal administrator Cording Mejias said they already soft-opened the new market last week. Mejias added that vendors were already informed of the plan.

Mejias said the transfer was supposed to be done back in April but the vendors asked for an extension until June. Still they refused and asked for another extension which is August.

Mejias said it is not hard for a consumer to go to the market since tricycles and habal-habals take passengers to the new area where parking areas are intended for them.

"We prevent them (drivers) staying at the old market because they might cause traffic. They will have wait for their passengers at the new market," Mejias said.

But Sherbie de los Reyes, who is the president of vendors association, said local officials did not hear their side opposing the transfer of the public market.

"The new market in Barangay Tulay is 500 meters away from the highway which is not accessible for us, as well as to the market-goers," De los Reyes said.

Aside from the issue on accessibility, the stalls in the new market are reportedly smaller and more expensive than those in the old market, according to the association president.

De los Reyes also claimed their business will be affected since there are already malls selling the same goods as theirs.

Another vendor, Arlene, said the new market has no water yet which means the transfer is too premature. She said they will stay in the old market and continue selling there.

In a separate interview, Mayor Elanito Peña said he already instructed the police to cordon the old market until the vendors volunteer to pull out.

Peña said the new market is a P120-million project covering an area of more or less one hectare and housing around 450 stalls.

Senior Inspector Richard Gadingan, chief of Minglanilla Police, said they will observe maximum tolerance and will ask the vendors to transfer peacefully.

He added that despite the opposition from the vendors' quarters, there have been no commotions at all, only arguments. (FREEMAN)