At Carbon Public Market: ‘One vendor, one stall’ policy pushed

CEBU, Philippines — While the incoming administration has committed to prioritizing the welfare of Carbon Market vendors, Cebu City Mayor-elect Nestor Archival Sr. said he would begin by addressing internal issues among the vendor organizations starting with stall owners who control multiple stalls.

On Thursday, Archival attended the “All Vendors Forum,” where a three-point agenda was presented: the declaration of the Carbon Market as a Cultural Heritage Site, the passage of an ordinance to protect vendors’ livelihoods, and a review of the joint venture agreement (JVA) between the city and Megawide.

Speaking to reporters after the forum, Archival said that while his administration is committed to addressing these concerns, vendor cooperation is essential. This, he said, was especially important after listening to several key issues raised during the event.

One issue involved negotiations that took place even before the JVA with Megawide was finalized. Archival said the lack of unity among vendors at the time hindered progress.

“Naay pipila ka mga vendors nga murag sa pikas grupo, naay ubang grupo nga sa pikas. Ang akong tumong gyud unta ato nga magkahiusa sila para makuha nato ang list sa tanang vendors, list gyud sa tanan,” said Archival.

He recalled that the minority bloc in the council, which he currently leads, had pushed for the inclusion of a comprehensive vendor list in the contract’s terms of reference. This, he said, was meant to safeguard vendor interests even amid political transitions.

The list, according to Archival, was supposed to serve as a layer of protection for vendors.

“Karon, wa gyud na mahimo kay ga binirahay man,” he said.

This time, however, upon the initiative of the Carbohanong Alyansa, most vendor associations are now unified under one umbrella and participated in the forum to push for a common agenda. Archival said he welcomed the opportunity to personally listen to their grievances during the event.

He noted that many vendors were seeking clarity on what the new administration could do for them amid the continuing market development.

Regarding the vendors’ push to declare the Carbon Market a heritage site, Archival said this was possible, citing the market's deep historical and cultural significance.

On the proposal to pass an ordinance to protect vendor livelihoods, Archival stressed that unity among vendors must come first. He acknowledged ongoing complaints about vendors who own multiple stalls.

“Mao ng akong giingon nila nga ayaw na, kay ang ubang mga tindera unya, dili ma sud, mao ng ato ng plastada,” he said.

To resolve this, Archival asked vendors to provide an accurate count of all legitimate vendors so that proper negotiations can take place. This came after a vendor shared that profits had declined after being relocated to the Carbon Market’s central section, while other areas had already undergone development.

Archival said he plans to renegotiate these concerns with Megawide to ensure equitable opportunities for all vendors as the development continues.

In line with this, he is pushing for a “one vendor, one stall” policy, calling it a fair guideline moving forward.

“Dili kay one vendor, lima ka stall,” Archival emphasized.

He urged vendors to be transparent—starting with the accurate submission of their membership numbers. He noted that some of the lists provided so far have come only from association officers.

With a new set of councilors soon to take office, Archival expressed hope that he will have their support in addressing vendor issues.

While he admitted that not all of the vendors’ demands can be met immediately, Archival assured them that comprehensive negotiations with Megawide would be pursued to reach a fair compromise.

“Win-win…mao na akong giingon sa mga vendors, nga dili lang inyo lang tanan matuman, matuman inyong tuyo, dapat give and take, di ta makamando, makahangyo ta,” he said.

After the forum, Archival, Vice Mayor-elect Tomas Osmeña, and Councilor Sisinio Andales led the signing of a covenant with the Carbon vendors—symbolizing the start of collaborative efforts to address the three-point agenda.

Archival presided over the forum himself, answering questions from vendors, some of whom sought clarity on their status amid the ongoing Carbon Market redevelopment. He said the covenant signing underscored his administration's empathy and commitment to prioritizing the concerns of vendors starting next month.

Anna Marie Ariosa, head of the Carbohanong Alyansa, said this was the first time vendors have united under a shared purpose. She expressed optimism that their agenda would move forward, emphasizing that vendors are not against development—they simply want a voice in the planning process. FPL (CEBU NEWS)