Strict distancing at city markets

CEBU, Philippines — The Cebu City Market Authority is strict implementing social distancing in all city public markets.

Jonil Matuguina, city market administrator, said they are now implementing one entry point and two exit points in all major city markets---Taboan, Pasil, T. Padilla, Ramos, Pardo, and Carbon.

Escaño Street has been designated as the only entry point to Carbon market complex.

“We are side by side with the barangays and the PNP in implementing such new policies sa atong merkado for us to really ensure na ma limit nato ang mga tao,” said Matuguina.

He said they are limiting the number of people at a time depending on the size of the market. For smaller markets like T. Padilla and Pardo, only 20 people are allowed at a time. Carbon, which has an area of about 10-hectares, at least 200 people are allowed at a time.

Matuguina said only 70 percent of the usual 5,000 vendors in the market are left this time because of the health crisis. He said those left are the ones selling the essential goods.

“Anyways niminos gyud ang mga mamalitay sa Carbon, tua na sila sa community markets, wala gyud nato gi-dili ang community markets kay we understand lisod ang transportation. Karon panahona, mas supportahan nato ang mga community markets,” said Matuguina.

He said vendors are strictly observing social distancing relative to the placement of their stalls. The city government limits the market operations from 5 a.m. to 8 p.m. everyday.

“We have organized mga mobile markets, ready na to sila we are just waiting for the instructions of the task force kay they are the ones in the field and kahibalo sila sa areas where kinahanglan ang mga mobile markets,” said Matuguina.

He said this includes fish, since some areas are not reached by the deliveries.

“Ang Pasil abunda gyud sa isda karon panahona kay wala man tay pag dili sa delivery musulod kung ni-ana,” said Matuguina.

From the 15 mobile markets, there are now 18 mobiles ready to be deployed. The mobile markets will be selling goods such as meat, chicken, fish, vegetables, fruits, and eggs.

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.  FPL (FREEMAN)