Forty stalls fronting Doña Pepang cleared

CEBU, Philippines - Following the clearing of at least 40 market stalls fronting Doña Pepang Cemetery, most of the vendors were transferred to the Barangay Lorega San Miguel satellite market.

Of the number, 28 have been assigned already with stall spaces last Tuesday and have decided to voluntarily remove their respective structures earlier.

The marketplace, which sat on the center island between Imus Road and M.J. Cuenco Avenue, will be restored to give an open view for the cemetery, which the city is planning to convert into a heritage park.

Acting Market Administrator Arnel Quijano said the removal of stalls was hastened while observing proper clearing procedures and transferring the stallholders first before removing them from the area.

According to Quijano, former mayor Tomas Osmeña briefly stayed in the area and watched the clearing operation. Quijano said he was relieved that Osmeña, who was against the demolition, did not intervene.

Some of the vendors have started selling at the satellite market, but complained of fewer sales.

“Ingon ana man jud na tungod kay ilang mga suki wala pa na-guide. Ang mga vendors na bag-ohan lang pud kay wala pa nakatultol sa bag-ong lugar ang mga mamalit,” Quijano said.

Of the 40 stallholders, 12 were not included in the actual inventory, and were the ones who insisted to remain in the area.

However, members of the Prevention, Restoration, Order, Beautification and Enhancement team continued to remove their stalls yesterday.

“Today is the schedule for ground zero on the area where equipment will be used, but so far, it was finished quickly since we had proper agreements settled,” said Quijano.

Arrangements have been done by the Lorega Barangay Council in managing the satellite market as the council is yet to evaluate as to who will be permanently accommodated with stalls.

There are at least 48 identified stall spaces available at the satellite market.

Quijano has also talked with the barangay captain of Lorega to have the displaced vendors accommodated as they were not among those who were on the list of priority.

The Parks and Playground Committee is now tasked to handle the restoration of the center island. — (FREEMAN)