Colon night market starts today

CEBU, Philippines – Other than the small and medium entrepreneurs, commercial retailing giants in the city are also joining the Second Shopping Colon Festival.

George Chu of the Downtown Revitalization Project said big businesses such as the Gaisano Group, 138, Unitop, among others, had registered to participate in the night market which will go full blast tonight along Colon Street.

“Unlike the previous night markets, we now have the big businessmen who will also put up their stalls,” Chu said.

The night market will officially run starting tonight until June 15.

Chu said they asked for permit to close the road starting June 10.

The road closure will begin at 8 p.m.

Each festival participant pays a daily P20 business tax to Cebu City Hall and another P3,500 for the use of stalls and lights, and provision of security.

Recently, the City Council passed a resolution that approves the holding of the night market.

According to the resolution, authored by Councilor Nestor Archival, the night market is the city’s own way of taking part in the Cebu Business Month.

The Cebu City Traffic Group will undertake measures for the safety of participants as Kalubihan Barangay Captain Rexy Millan issued the permit for the night market.

The Downtown Revitalization Project was initiated by Vice Mayor Michael Rama three years ago.

Under the program, vendors in the downtown area will be regulated and stores and business establishments will be compelled to clean their surroundings and promote a greener sidewalk. — Ferliza C. Conrtratista/LPM (THE FREEMAN)