19th year of Pasko sa Carbon opens

The 19th edition of “Carbon Pasko Na” officially opened to the public yesterday, Dec. 4, 2024, offering an opportunity for vendors to honor their devotion while continuing to sell their goods, as well as boost the market tourism of Cebu City.

Yesterday morning, a press conference was held at the Carbon Interim Market, where the theme “Malipayong Kasing-kasing, Madasigong Pagsaulog sa Pasko” was unveiled.

Maria Pino, head of the Cebu City United Vendors Association (CCUVA), explained that Pasko sa Carbon was created to accommodate the devotion of the vendors.

According to her, it has been 19 years since they began celebrating this event in the Carbon Market, as most of the vendors cannot attend the physical novena masses.

The objective is for the vendors to simultaneously earn a profit and attend the Misa de Gallo, which will begin on December 16, 2024, and last until the 24th. The nine-day Misa de Gallo will be officiated by different parish priests.

This has the archbishop’s blessing to invite various priests to officiate each mass.

The opening ceremony included a parade of vendors, stakeholders, and ambulant vendors.

For security measures, Police Major Abrasado, chief of the Carbon Police Station, said they have received additional personnel from the Cebu City Mobile Force (CCMF) to provide extra security throughout the celebration.

Raquel Arce, head of the Cebu City Transportation Office (CCTO), said that as the celebration is expected to draw more visitors to the market, they have opened a vacant lot in front of the Carbon Police Station, which will serve as a designated parking area.

“Usa na sa makatabang sa atong mga consumers aron nindot ang ilang pagpa-ngompra sa Carbon, aside from the road parking nga atong gihimo atubangan sa interim (building), and sa MC Briones, naa natay sa atubangan sa Puso village,” said Arce.

She, however, urged those with vehicles to be mindful of the “no stopping” and “no parking” signs to avoid impeding traffic flow. Arce emphasized that they did not lift any traffic regulations for the celebration.

According to Arce, the vendors in the Carbon Market have been looking forward to the Pasko sa Carbon season, which extends until New Year’s, as it is expected to attract more visitors and customers.

One of the highlights of Carbon Pasko Na is the celebration of the Fruit Festival, a prelude to the New Year’s celebration. This event will run from December 26 to December 31, 2024, along the stretch of Manalili Road.

“Anha mangguwa ang trese kabuok nga mga prutas...kanang mga palihi para sa bag-ong tuig,” said Arce.

Further, Pino disclosed that Pasko sa Carbon is also expected to boost the market tourism of the city. She added that even before the launch, the Carbon

Market had already been beautified and adorned with various Christmas lights to attract more marketgoers.

She also noted that the streets around the market have been widened, making it more accessible for those driving.

Barangay Captain Mark Miral also confirmed that holding Pasko sa Carbon is necessary to attract more tourists.

“Kung imong tan-awon ang Carbon karon, lahi na sa kaniadto, han-ay na. And of course, kanang giingon nato nga Carbon Night Market, nakita nato nga na tay mga arko dira. And in fact, og imong tan-awon ang Carbon karon, ubay-ubay nasad ang manghi...mao sad nay impact nga maka-boost sa tourism,” said Miral.

Miral added that the inauguration of the Carbon Market Phase 1 will further enhance the tourism impact of the Carbon Market. —/ATO (FREEMAN)