Lagtang public market vendors dread floods

CEBU, Philippines - The rise of the water at the Mananga River worries some vendors at the Lagtang Public Market in Talisay City.

“Gasige na og saka ang tubig diri tungod sa uwan, simbako mabanlas mi, dia ra ba tawon mi sa kilid gyud sa sapa,” said Marivic Lasquete, vice president of the market’s fish section’s vendors association.

Continuous rain has resulted to the quick ascent of water from the base of the river, which has spilled over to the nearby shanties lining the riverbank.

Prior to their transfer at this new market last August, city hall had already explained to the vendors that the market, although it was built right next to the river, was raised at least 10 meters from the riverbank.

Also, city officials told them that the riprap structure of the market was constructed to last the strongest deluge of water.

But the explanations of city officials did not ease the fears of the vendors especially that they are just a stone’s throw away from the river. The meat and the fish sections are situated near the railing, overlooking the Mananga River.

As a joke, vendors say that in case floods sweep them away, they hope to end in the Tabunok Public Market, which is just about a kilometer down the river. (FREEMAN)