Osmeña inspected five public markets in the city Thursday, Jan. 26, 2023, and had a dialogue with the administrators and vendors to determine how the City Government can fast-track the development of public markets. Among the things he checked was the market’s ventilation, electricity and water supply, drainage system, structural integrity, and comfort rooms.
Osmeña visited the Pardo Public Market, the Bagsakan at the South Road Properties, the Carbon Public Market, Pasil Fish Market, and Taboan Public Market.
While conversing with the stakeholders, the councilor made an example of the ongoing modernization of the Carbon Public Market, which is being realized through a joint venture agreement (JVA) between the City Government and a private firm.
Osmeña believes that entering into JVAs and partnering with private corporations is the way to go to improve the status of all public markets in the city.
“Our intention is pure. It is not for us but for the people and the stakeholders who invested in this market,” said Councilor Osmeña.
To achieve a Singapore-like public market, Osmeña said its facilities should bring convenience to customers.
In the meantime, Osmeña said, all observations and recommendations gathered during his inspection will be presented to Mayor Michael Rama so the City Government can take instant action.
In the Pardo Public Market in Barangay Poblacion-Pardo, devastation brought by Typhoon Odette (Rai) on Dec. 16, 2021 can still be seen in the building.
The market’s third floor cannot be used since its roofs are dilapidated and have not been repaired yet.
Lilian Gosila of the City Market Office said there is already a proposal for the repair of the damaged section of the market amounting to P12 million.
But there is still a need for the City Council to pass a resolution for the realignment of the funds required for the repair works.
Gostilla added that another P11 million is also allocated for the improvement of comfort rooms in all public markets in the city.
Councilor Osmeña assured that his office will work on the legislative requirement to expedite the rehabilitation of the Pardo Public Market.
Once the funds become available, Osmeña wants the public market to be fully repaired on or before April 2023.
Pardo Public Market administrator Purisimo Bohol told SunStar Cebu that the damaged area of the market was once utilized as offices of City Hall.
But Bohol said if the area will be fully repaired, they will make it available for stalls to give additional revenue for the market.
On Friday, Jan. 27, Osmeña will visit the T. Padilla Public Market and the Ramos Public Market.
Cebu City has seven public markets.