Standoff over rehab of Baguio market ends

BAGUIO CITY – The long standoff between the city government and a group of vendors, who were displaced by the March 2 fire that destroyed several sections of the public market here, finally ended.

The parties agreed to end the stalemate and push the development of the market.
This developed after the city government gave in to the demand of the vegetable and fruit section stallholders for them to implement the rehabilitation of their stalls, but they should follow a design to be prepared by the city buildings and architect’s office.

But there are still issues to be resolved by both parties. One issue is about the question of whether or not the vendors would be allowed to shoulder the Ρ16-million expenses for the market rehabilitation project.

Another is whether or not the vendors would be granted tax holiday by the city government. Still another issue is whether or not the city government would be the one to purchase the materials for the project.

Victor Calimlim, president of the Baguio Market Plaza Vendors Multi-Purpose Cooperative, whose members were displaced by the fire, cited the need to immediately implement the rehabilitation project, saying this would spare them from further losses due to the onset of the rainy season. There is a need for sturdy roofs and walls to protect their merchandise from the elements.

In the past three months they have been occupying temporary stalls covered with tents donated by Manila Bulletin.

Calimlim said it is not business as usual because they could not keep their stocks at the burned area.

Every time it rains, they have to seek cover to prevent the destruction of their goods. – Dexter A. See