Seven more Manila markets get facelift

Seven more public markets in Manila have been renovated to give people an alternative to shopping malls.

“We have completed the renovation in time for Christmas because we want to provide market-goers and shoppers comfort and convenience when shopping for their Christmas needs,” Mayor Joseph Estrada said.

The markets that have been upgraded are Obrero Public Market in Blumentritt Street at a cost of R16.97 million, Pampanga Public Market in Pampanga Street, Tondo (P10.44 million); Dagonoy Market in Onyx Street, San Andres (R47.70 million); Wagas Market in Wagas Street, Tondo (R12.85 million); Base R8.35 million); Bambang Market in Bambang Street, Tondo (R7.87 million); and Pandacan Market (R8.24 million).

A total of R112.42 million was earmarked for the renovation–part of the administration's multi-million peso public markets rehabilitation program.

Estrada said the city government has so far been successful in converting the city’s 17 dirty and smelly public markets to mall-like shopping places.

Renovation work included repainting; rewiring and installation of new lightings; construction of new drainage, water, and sewer lines; installation of floor tiles, refurbishment of toilets, installation of brand-new roll-up doors and windows, and replacement of roofs, according to City Market Administrator Annie Balboa.

“We want to erase the stereotype that public markets are dirty and smelly,” Balboa pointed out.