Extension of night market sought

Vendors lament lower income at the new vending areas

AS long as they do not inconvenience the public, Cebu City Mayor Tomas Osmeña has no qualms about extending the night market activities for another month.

This came after the 469 vendors of the City Government-operated night markets on Legazpi St. and Borromeo St. appealed for an extension since the activity ended last Dec. 31.

“I like the vendors to make money. As long as they don’t disturb the public, that’s fine with me. I want to help the poor,” Osmeña told reporters in his news conference yesterday.

He said the vendors can continue with their trade, including those in the privately-operated night market in Pari-an St., provided that the nearby establishments don’t complain.

“If it starts to disturb the public or starts to create another problem, that’s another situation. My policy on the vendors, kung way mureklamo (if there are no complaints), go ahead. I’m already defying the law with my reservations. I’ll bend the law to help the poor,” he said.

Aside from minor traffic concerns, the mayor said he has not received any other complaints about the three night markets.

Income

Division for the Welfare of the Urban Poor (DWUP) head Genevieve Alcoseba, in a separate interview, said the appeal for an extension was raised by the vendors because of their low income compared to the previous years.

The night market was supposed to open on Nov. 18 last year on Colon St.

However, it was moved to Dec. 17 and was transferred to other areas.

Alcoseba assured that DWUP, in coordination with the Cebu City Transportation Office, will draft a recommendation asking the mayor to give the traders another opportunity, more so that the Sinulog celebration is fast approaching.

If the request will be approved by the mayor, the vendors can again sell their goods starting Jan. 5 to 31, provided that they will be responsible for keeping the vending areas clean.

“I think if there won’t be any trouble, the mayor will surely approve. The new vending areas have surely affected their businesses, but hopefully, it will improve in the days leading to the Sinulog,” Alcoseba said.