Taboan Public Market renovation underway

CEBU, Philippines —  The Taboan Public Market, one of the popular public markets in Cebu, is expected to be redeveloped soon in its bid to be the “Buwad Capital of the Philippines”.

Newly-elected San Nicolas Proper barangay captain Clifford Niñal shared to The Freeman yesterday that this discussion has already been started with the city government.

“Naka-initial na mi ug discuss ana sa taga City (government), sa satellite office (of Mayor Mike Rama), kang Kons Junjun (city councilor Jun-Jun Osmena), and naa puy taga Housing Board,” said Niñal.

The plan is very timely especially as the second floor of the said market already needs renovation due to its wear and tear.

“Timing ra pud ni siya kaayo kay ang second floor pud sa Taboan ron, kuyaw na ha, dilapidated na na siya. Duna nay tipak-tipak nga nakita, uyog na,” Niñal added.

Mayor Mike Rama, in one of his earlier discussions, told Niñal to have a food park in the said area that may possibly become a bigger development plan via a public-private partnership.

Niñal said the initial development plan is expected to give locals and tourists alike a fun and more comfortable experience.

“Naa na nya siyay theme with San Nicolas as the buwad capital of the Philippines,” said Niñal, adding that they will equip it with clean and functional restrooms.

Aside from the buwad or dried fish, there will also be other delicacies and souvenir shops. Personnel of the city governement is expected to do a re-survey of the area today, Nov.20,2023.

“Ipa-resurvey na siya. Actually, naa na na siyay survey, kaning iyang line description mao ng ila ng actualon ugma kay sa DPWH man gud to nga survey. So karon, sa ila na gyud,” Niñal said.

Aside from the public market itself, a medium rise building is also being planned to be constructed in the area for the homeless who frequents the Taboan Market. It will also be for those that will be affected by the recovery of the three-meter easement along the Guadalupe river where San Nicolas Proper, Pahina Central and Pahina San Nicolas’ shares a site for the temporary stalls.

“Buhatan silag temporary nga tindahan didto sa T.Abella Street. Adto sa na sila didto,” said Niñal while saying that when the redevelopment project will be done, vendors are assured that they will still be enjoying affordable rental fees. (CEBU NEWS)