Councilor wants to know what will become of public market?

CEBU, Philippines - An opposition councilor in Talisay City has expressed doubts whether the newly built public market in barangay Lagtang will eventually be turned into an extension of the Talisay City College after vendors abandon it.

“Wala’y assurance nga mahimo bang extension sa Talisay City College ang Lagtang public market kay dili makita nato ang ilang pagka-sinsero,” Councilor Valeriano “Val” Ylanan said. 

Ylanan said if the administration were really sincere about mayoralty aspirant Rep. Eduardo Gullas’s plan to convert the market into an extension of the college, the council’s majority bloc would have by now approved the amendment it introduced which seeks the reopening of the old public market. 

Last Tuesday, the administration and opposition councilors clashed over a proposed resolution commending the recommendation of Gullas and Mayor Socrates Fernandez to reopen the Tabunopk public market. 

The opposition wishes to authorize the mayor to reopen the market and allow the vendors return to it. 

The city government spent over P160 million to build the new market in barangay Lagtang.

If he gets elected, Gullas wishes to convert the facility into a technical-vocational school.

The new market, which occupies a 2.6-hectare lot, was a project initiated by Gullas in 2001. 

The future school in Lagtang will offer technical and vocational courses such as welding, electronics, housekeeping, cooking and baking, and bartending.

Gullas said he plans to sign an agreement with the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority to accredit the school.

Gullas said the school will benefit from Talisay’s high school graduates. (FREEMAN)