Taboan market "dirtiest" in the city

CEBU, Philippines - Marketgoers described the Taboan Public Market as the dirtiest market in Cebu City because of illegal settlers and pigpens tolerated by members of the Squatters Prevention Encroachment Elimination Division because of personal favors they are getting from livestock dealers.

 Despite its condition, however, market goers admitted they continue to patronize the market because the prices of products sold there are relatively cheaper compared in the department stores.

Marketgoers observed that aside from informal settlers using some of the stalls in the market as their residence, livestock dealers have also put up several pigpens at Lakandula corner B. Aranas Streets.

A woman squatting beside the market said SPEED personnel tolerated the illegal pigpens because they are getting favors from the businessmen.

According to the woman, livestock dealers are giving SPEED personnel pigs for lechon.

The FREEMAN informed Mayor Michael Rama about the issue and he assured to look into the allegation. SPEED chief Noel Artes also met with his personnel to find out why the pigpens were allowed in the area.

 “Hugaw g’yud kaayo ang karsada kon tugtan nila nga mabutangan og tangkal sa mga baboy diha kay anha ra man magpundok ang mga hugaw sa kanal,” marketgoer Feliza Cabajar said.

 The FREEMAN visited the market yesterday and found out that not only 20 but close to 100 stalls are being used by illegal settlers.

 Market-in-charge Lucino Calvo said some people seen sleeping in the market only stay there during day time. Taboan market has 449 stalls, including those in the various modules that are constructed beside the main market building, but only 341 of them are officially occupied by the vendors. The 108 other stalls were occupied by the illegal settlers.

 Calvo yesterday showed to The FREEMAN a list with 58 names who are subject of the impending clearing operation tomorrow.

 Among them are Marito Bacus, who occupied five stalls, Vivincia Gingoyon occupied six stalls and used them as their residence.

 Aside from them, Calvo said there are 28 other families and individuals who are staying in passage ways within the market building.

 Some of these illegal settlers have their appliances, like televisions sets and electric fans, directly tapped either from the market electrical connection or from the electric post.

 Calvo said he already recommended a re-wiring of the market to the City Hall to prevent illegal connections.

 The Taboan market’s electrical consumption during the first six months this year had reached to P146,431. It has however posted a total collections of P2,154,003 for the same period.

“Business activity in Taboan public market is slow but still generate revenues for the city,” Calvo said. (THE FREEMAN)