Vendors fear going back to Lagtang public market

CEBU, Philippines - Vendors at the Tabunok public market in Talisay City don’t relish the prospect of being told to return to the Lagtang public market.

They have invested so much on renovation of stalls and other things which to them would take time to recover the principal.

They know Mayor Johnny delos Reyes is talking with investors who are interested in putting up a new building.

Boy Tecson, 55, meat vendor in Tabunok said they will ask the mayor to give them time to earn back their money invested.

He said they were allowed last August 8 to go back to Tabunok from the Lagtang public market.

Tecson said business was bad in Lagtang and the losses incurred there are yet to be recovered.

The vendors allegedly forced the city government to allow them to go back to Tabunok market.

Ultimately, the city gave in to their demands but made them sign a memorandum of agreement which included the clause which states that the city will not refund expenses made by the vendors on the renovation of stalls nor is the city answerable to any accident that may happen to them.

But the city promised to reinstall the electric and water connection and fix the market comfort rooms.

On other hand, Marivic Lasquete, vice president of the fish section, suggested that the demolition be done by phases so they could prolong their stay in the building.

Mayor Johnny De los Reyes said the old market building will be ready for demolition when the city government decides to construct a new market building.

He said the vendors will temporarily do business at the Lagtang market to avoid accidents. — (FREEMAN)