Barangay markets mulled to reduce COVID-19 spread in Ilocos Norte

By Freddie Lazaro

LAOAG CITY, Ilocos Norte – The provincial government of Ilocos Norte is looking at the creation of barangay markets in all of its component cities and municipalities to reduce the spread of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).

This was proposed by Gov. Matthew Marcos Manotoc in his meeting with all the local chief executives in the province, saying localized markets or “talipapa” was discussed as an alternative mode for residents to buy basic commodities without violating social distancing protocols.

“We ask the mayors to give way to barangay markets in order not all residents from barangay will goes to public market. We wanted to set-up a small, localized, barangay markets catering for our constituents,” he said.

In issuing the executive order placing Ilocos Norte under total lockdown, Manotoc had specifically noted the role of mayors in designating marketplace and groceries for barangays at a specific schedule, alongside with the banning of unnecessary inter-town travels.

“To all our barangay chairmen, let us make sure that we cater to the needs of our people. Let’s find ways to keep our people comfortable and to supply them with what they need so they don’t need to go too far,” Manotoc said.