Market vendors celebrate Christmas

ORMOC CITY, Philippines — Typhoon Yolanda brought havoc to the properties and lives of Ormocanons, but it never destroyed the spirit of Christmas to the many vendors of this city and went on to celebrate the holiday the other day.

Traditionally, vendors of different market sections such as meat, fish, vegetables, etc. held their celebrations in separate dates but, for this year, they did it together.

City Mayor Edward Codilla, who graced the event, lauded the unity shown by the market occupants and government workers assigned to the area. "Nindot tan-awon nga limpyo ang atong merkado ug nagkahiusa kita pagselebrar sa Pasko," he said.

Codilla also relayed to them the favorable comments about market cleanliness and orderliness he received from visitors who always come to the city to buy goods and other stuff.

"Despite the blown-out roofing and damaged buildings, we still got those favorable observations, so let's continue to cooperate and together be proud of our achievement," said the mayor.

Not only is the traffic situation in Ormoc worsening due to the influx of vehicles from other parts of Leyte, but also the increasing number of people who come to the city for their shopping needs. These prompted Codilla to put more premium on the cleanliness and orderliness requirements of the city's public market.  

The litson baka and other prizes,courtesy of the mayor, were among the goodies shared by the vendors during the Christmas celebration that lasted until almost midnight.

"Yes, we lost our house, but I attended this activity to at least forget for a moment the sadness I felt and be happy for the birth of Jesus," said Joey, a coconut vendor. (FREEMAN)