MANILA, Philippines - The city government of Manila has completed the renovation of the Dagonoy Market in San Andres Bukid.
The Dagonoy Market is the sixth city-run facility of its kind to be rehabilitated under the administration of Mayor Joseph Estrada.
“We are proud that the old Dagonoy Market has been renovated, repaired and beautified for the convenience and safety of vendors and market goers. Many more will follow,” Estrada said.
“When we say palengke, what comes to our mind is a dirty and smelly place. That’s not the case here in Manila. Our newly renovated public markets are like shopping malls and private supermarkets. We do not want a dirty and stinky market,” Estrada said.
Henry Alcantara of the city engineering office said they had the entire Dagonoy Market repainted, its power and water lines replaced and drainage system improved.
The building’s roof was replaced with steel trusses and galvanized iron sheets, and new sets of tiles were installed on the floor.
The stalls at the market’s wet and dry sections were refurbished and tiled.
“We replaced the old toilet bowls and installed new faucets,” Alcantara said.
“The sidewalk and road pavement surrounding the market were also repaired and a new culvert pipe was placed to improve the drainage system,” he said.
Alcantara said canopies were installed along the pedestrian walkways around the market, particularly along Florentino, Crisolita and Onyx streets.
Market master Jovita Lacson said it was the first time the Dagonoy Market was renovated since it was constructed in 2005.
She said the renovation elated the stall owners and market goers.
Since last year, the city government started repairing old and neglected public markets to make them on par with privately owned supermarkets and shopping malls.
The city government spent P738 million for the repair of four public markets including one each in Sta. Ana and San Andres, and two in Sampaloc.
The renovation of the Quinta public market in Quiapo is ongoing.