City markets post higher revenue in first quarter

CEBU, Philippines — Cebu City’s Office of the City Markets (OCM) recorded higher revenue collections in the first quarter of 2025, surpassing earnings from the same period last year.

The OCM collected over P36.5 million from January to March, up by 2.6 percent compared to the P35.59 million recorded in the first quarter of 2024, according to a report from the City’s Public Information Office (PIO).

The bulk of the revenue came from Carbon Public Market, Cebu’s largest public market, which generated P17,468,185.63. It was followed by Pasil Public Market with P8,645,335.65, and Taboan Public Market with P3,780,470.77.

Other markets also contributed to the total:

•Pardo Public Market – P1,463,782.65

•T. Padilla Public Market – P860,916.10

•Ramos Public Market – P841,230.06

•Other satellite markets – P3,484,464

Collections were sourced from stall rentals, cash tickets/arkabala from ambulant vendors, pay parking, entrance fees, and “other income” such as penalties.

The increase in revenue was largely credited to intensified efforts to collect delinquent accounts across the city’s 10 public markets.

John Paul Amores, head of the Research, Planning, and Monitoring Division at the OCM and overseer of the Pasil Fish Port, said that acting Market Administrator Criselda Lazarte made it a priority to address outstanding dues.

"Diri man gud mi nag-focus, sa mga delinquent accounts sa napulo ka merkado. So, suma total, sa delinquent accounts, nakakolekta’g P1.3 million…especially diri sa Pasil. Dakong kausaban ang nausab pinaagi ni Maam Cris, ang acting market administrator,” Amores said.

A more stringent appraisal process for products delivered to Carbon Market also contributed to improved collections.

To sustain this momentum, the OCM is planning to launch night markets in several locations, including Taboan and Ramos, to further boost income and support local vendors. –/FPL (FREEMAN)