Urgent repair of Taboan Public Market pushed

CEBU, Philippines — San Nicolas Proper Barangay Captain Clifford Niñal has once again appealed to the Cebu City Government to urgently repair the Taboan Public Market, citing safety concerns for both vendors and visitors—locals and tourists alike.

In an interview with The Freeman, Niñal lamented that despite raising the issue previously, no action has been taken yet.

“Nahuman na akong problema sa Sanciangko Bridge. Karon, kani na lang gyud sa Taboan,” he said.

He said that the second floor of the market is structurally unsound and it poses a serious danger.

“Grabe na ka-uyog. Kuyaw kung naay mubigay unya dunay mga dat-ugan simbako,” he added.

Taboan is home to over 100 vendors, many of whom sell dried fish and other local delicacies popular with tourists as pasalubong (gift).

During the term of former mayor Michael Rama, there were proposals to refurbish the market, revitalize it with a night market and construct a medium-rise housing building to accommodate even the homeless, the vendors and street dwellers.

Inspired by this vision, Niñal had hoped that Taboan would be recognized as the “buwad (dried fish) capital” of the country. However, with the sudden change of leadership, the project was stalled.

Mayor-elect Nestor Archival has recently conducted inspections of Carbon Public Market and Pasil Fish Port to assess it's conditions and to engage directly with vendors.

In its latest meeting with members of the Pasil Suba Vendors Association (PASACAVA), concerns raised included traffic congestion, limited parking, drainage issues, and difficulties in securing lease agreements.

Archival assured stakeholders that his administration will collaborate closely with them to find sustainable solutions and improve market operations, according to the City’s Public Information Office.

During the recent commemoration of Independence Day on June 12, Archival spent time with vendors at Carbon Market where he reaffirmed his commitment.

“Para sa masa, dili para sa bulsa... Wala'y biyaay. Walay pasagdaan," he said.

Niñal hopes that the Taboan Public Market will soon be next on the mayor-elect's priority agenda.

The Freeman tried to get Archival’s statment but to no avail as of presstime.