Market chief clarifies Carbon slot concerns

CEBU, Philippines —  The Cebu City Hall has assured the Carbon Public Market vendors that the certificate of recognition provided to them does not have an expiration date.

The assurance was made by Market Administrator Irvin Cabales in a talk with ex-officio Councilor Jessica Resch, the president of the Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) Federation, together with some vendors at the Unit 3 of the market.

“Walay expiry (ang certificate of recognition). Ma-expire na siya kung di na ka maninda,” said Cabales.

There were vendors who aired their concern that even if they were already granted with the certificate in line with the Carbon Public Market redevelopment, they claimed it will only be effective for three years.

Cabales said that what was provided in the certificate is that the “arkabala” of the vendors will not increase in three years.

However, if an increase will be proposed, it will still go through the City Council for scrutiny.

Cabales stressed that the certificate of recognition will serve as an assurance to bona fide vendors of the Carbon Market that they will have a slot in the new market facility.

"Gipasalig pud sa atong mayor nga si Edgardo Labella nga hatagan gyud og certificate of recognition ang tanang vendors sa Carbon," he said.

Resch, for her part, said she visited the area because she wanted to see the status of the vendors and help address any of their concerns regarding the redevelopment.

She earlier aired her gripe over the demolition of stalls and structures of vendors in Units 2 and 3 of Carbon Public Market carried out by the Market Operations Division last week.

Resch said she was compelled to reflect on the morality and legality of the said action.

The MOD said that they informed the vendors two months before the demolition and put up tents as a temporary transfer facility for them.

“Ato lang gyud nga gipaneguro nga malinawon lang ang ilang (vendors) pagbalhin," said Resch. — GMR (FREEMAN)