Quezon City shuts down 3 public markets

MANILA, Philippines – The Quezon City government has ordered the closure of three public markets in Balintawak for failure to comply with the requirements imposed by the local government.

Ordered closed were the Cloverleaf Market, MC Market and Riverview Market II, city market administrator Noel Soliven said.

Soliven said these markets have no sanitary and building permits from city hall.

He said the markets had been operating without a sewage treatment facility, consumer welfare desk, discharge permit from the Laguna Lake Development Authority and environmental certificate from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources.

The city government has repeatedly issued notices to the owners of the markets, but no compliance has been made.

“Lack of compliance puts at risk not only the consumers but also the neighboring areas, which are affected by the markets’ discharge of wastes to the waterways,” Soliven said.

He cited issues on the safety of the structures, hygiene and sanitary conditions of the markets.

The owners of the markets were given 48 hours to stop operations or face further sanctions.

City officials said the markets may be allowed to reopen upon compliance with the necessary permits.

Some 300 vendors will be affected by the closure order.