Megawide proposes to transform Carbon into ‘first-world’ market
To help jumpstart the economy after the coronavirus pandemic, Megawide Construction Corporation has proposed to redevelop Cebu City’s largest market, the Carbon Public Market, at no cost to the government.
Louie Ferrer, Megawide's managing director for transport, bared the plans for the market’s development, saying t he firm wants to improve its existing infrastructure and facilities to entice more investors.
“The Carbon Market and its adjoining districts are some of the most economically and culturally significant locations in all Cebu. With our proposal, we hope to help jumpstart the recovery of Cebu's economy after the pandemic by improving the market's existing infrastructure to provide a safer and more efficient experience while bringing its historical and cultural value to the fore," said Ferrer.
"Through t he new market facility and expanded attractions, we aim to attract more investors to Cebu and encourage the growth of the local economy. Its development will certainly open more jobs and facilitate ease of business for our vendors and suppliers," he added.
In the proposal Megawide presented, it plans to develop in phases at least six blocks.
Blocks 1 and 2 will be made to provide convenience to customers; Block 3 will be a wholesaler's hub; Block 4, a lifestyle village; Block 5, boqueria for pop-up stores; and Block 6 for an in-city check-in facility.
It will also feature a waterfront activity plaza, a 24/7 market, Sto. Niño chapel and park, watched over by a figure of the Sto. Niño de Cebu, and a water-taxi.
For Megawide, the proposed development will make Carbon Market "a place where past meets the present" as it will be a place where “there is heritage, history, and tourism.”
It will also let the people “shop, dine, and relax.”
F e r r e r s a i d t h e government will not spend in the redevelopment.
Once approved by the city government, he said the phase 1 will take four years to be completed.
"In phase 1, we aim to deliver the new and improved public market, and provide ease of access through an interim transport terminal.”
“Operations for the market will remain with the LGU while Megawide will be in charge of maintaining the facility. The design and operations for the market were planned with the intent to preserve the current vendor selection improving overall market facility and systems," he explained.
Since 2019, Ferrer said, Megawide has already been consulting with the different stakeholders, such as the city government, vendors, church, and chamber of commerce, among others to address its concerns on its unsolicited proposal and make the necessary adjustments for it.
Ferrer said Mayor Edgardo Labella had a condition that vendors of the public market should not be displaced due to the redevelopment.
Ferrer stressed that the project will also be of help to ambulant vendors who have been experiencing displacement.
He added that they are willing to coordinate with the city government on their plans in relation to the informal settlers who will be affected with the project once approved.
"Our proposal was conceptualized with the needs and cultural identity of Cebu in mind. We will continue our consultations with Carbon Market's primary stakeholders and the people of Cebu so that we can deliver a firstworld commercial and tourist destination that they would be proud to call their own," said Ferrer.
Megawide submitted its unsolicited proposal to the Cebu City government on October 11, 2019 and was awarded Original Proponent Status on March 9, 2020. —