Baguio night market a tourist attraction

By Dexter A. See

BAGUIO CITY – A night market set up by the city government along Harrison road here, one of the city’s major road networks is now becoming a tourist attraction.

The move, implemented to solve worsening illegal vending in the city’s central business district area starts 9 p.m. to 4 a.m. the following day and is similar to night markets in Hong Kong and Thailand.

Mayor Mauricio G. Domogan said around two-thirds of the right side of Harrison road near the Melvin Jones grandstand are occupied by the vendors in designated area so they will no longer constrict the city’s sidewalks, streets and even the market area during the day.

Based on the initial census, more than 500 vendors belonging to dozens of associations are now participating in the night market but the venue could accommodate up to 1,000 vendors.

Initially, the local government allowed experimental night market at the Baguio Athletic Bowl for a period of sixty days last summer but vendors who participated in the said activity claimed they were not able to earn income, thus, they decided to transfer the night market to Harrison Road where there are more buyers.

Domogan said it will be the leaders of the association who should discipline their members during night market.

The city government has deployed employees to strictly monitor their adherence to night market rules and regulations since those who will be found to have violated the rules and regulations will no longer be allowed to pursue their trade and will be delisted from the list of vendors.

The local chief executive admitted the city is having a difficult time going after illegal peddlers around the city, thus, it institutionalized the night market which will serve as the venue where peddlers will do their trade and that a total ban on peddling around the city’s streets will be implemented during the day.

Domogan said the night marker was envisioned to entice influx of more foreign and domestic tourists that will help the country’s Summer Capital regain its status as one of the premier tourist destination in the country since it will be similar to night markets in the different parts of the world.

The city government has also deployed law enforcers in the venue to ensure stop illegal activities of lawless elements trying to take advantage of the huge volume of people in pursuing their illegal trade.