Archival vows to address Pasil vendors’ concerns

CEBU, Philippines —  Following complaints from vendors at the Pasil Fish Market, Cebu City Mayor-elect Nestor Archival has vowed to look into reported problems such as leaking roofs and flooding during heavy rains.

On January 14, 2025, Archival met with wholesalers, retailers, tappers, and members of the Pasil Suba Vendors Association (PASACAVA) to discuss their concerns and find possible solutions.

During his visit, he listened to the vendors’ issues and assured them of his commitment to resolving the problems.

According to Archival, the vendors requested him to look into road conditions, traffic congestion, and overall cleanliness around the market.

“I was there because naa man juy mga request nga tan-awon ang ilang dalan, tan-awon ang traffic, ug tan-awon ang cleanliness so ningadto ko,” he said.

In an interview, Archival shared that he also learned of additional issues from the vendors, particularly challenges in securing lease contracts. He assured them that this would be addressed.

“Naay ilang mga issues like, supposed to be magtinda na mi diri sa Pasil unya karon wala pa mi nakakuha sa among murag contract — kay supposed to be naa silay contract — so gi-ingnan nako sila nga ‘let’s look into that’,” he said.

He also said he would coordinate with the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) regarding the condition of the market building. He aims to verify the project’s completion status, identify the responsible contractor, and implement necessary repairs.

Archival noted that vendors had complained about leaking roofs, adding that some wholesalers had taken it upon themselves to find temporary solutions.

“Kana day’ng Pasil Market gihimo na sa DPWH pero wala pa nahuman, wala pa na-turn over, pero nireklamo sila na inig uwan perting tulo-a… so ang mga wholesaler na gani muoy nangita ug paagi nga dili na motulo but tulo gyud gihapon — so ilawom sa atop naa pa gihapoy atop-atop ila gihimo,” he said.

Archival promised the vendors that he would coordinate with the DPWH and the contractor to confirm if the building had been completed.

“Number one, akong saad nila, mo-coordinate ko sa DPWH ug kinsay contractor, kay ang contractor wala pa man na na-turn over didto sa siyudad. The second is kung kinsay contractor, ato tan-awon kung nahuman na ba ning buildinga, kung wa pa, atong ipahuman,” he said.

He added that if the contractor fails to complete the job, the city will find alternative ways to address the issue, starting with fixing the roof.

“Now the fair thing, kung dili gyud nila mahimo then ato nang pangitaan ug paagi, katong ibabaw atong mahimuan ug way una sa pagkakaron nga dili na motulo,” he said.

Looking ahead, Archival said plans include completing the roofing, improving cleanliness, and installing a proper drainage system. He noted that flooding remains a problem in the area, especially during heavy rains, due to poor drainage.