Permanent night market pushed
The night market in Cebu City may soon be institutionalized should a proposed ordinance passed the City Council.
At present, the city government only allows the night market during Christmas season and Sinulog. Councilor Eugenio Gabuya Jr. has proposed an ordinance establishing and regulating night market in the city.
“The Cebu City Government acknowledges the vital role of the micro, small and medium enterprises in the city’s socio-economic status,” read a portion of the proposed measure.
Night market is defined as a government-regulated market conducted daily at designated areas and streets are closed to accommodate people who are doing business or offering services to the public for profit.
In the proposed measure, night market shall be held every Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays and the whole months of December and January.
“The ordinance aims to make the private sector a partner in the task of building up small and medium enterprises through the promotion and participation of private voluntary organizations, viable industry associations, and cooperatives,” it adds.
Gabuya is proposing that the night market is to be held on Colon Street starting in front of the Vision Theater until Parian.
Once approved, the installation of the tables, chairs, umbrellas, and other needed equipment for vending shall start at 5 p.m. and should be closed at 1 a.m. on the following day.
Section 8 of the proposed ordinance provides that bonafide voters of the city are to be prioritized. Each occupant is allowed to rent a maximum area of 2.5 square meters x 2.5 square meters.
The proposed rental and payment for the electric consumption will be pegged during the public hearing. Gabuya said collection of these fees should be done every day before 1 a.m. by the Cebu City Market Authority, which shall supervise its operation.
All provisions in the proposed measure are still subject to change after the public hearing and before the measure will be submitted for final deliberation.
The proposal was already referred to the committee on laws, styling, and ordinances.