City markets hurt by lack of access for jeepneys

CEBU, Philippines – The lack of accessibility for public jeepneys plying the route is affecting the viability of some of the public markets operated by the Cebu City government.

Rene Senapo, assistant city administrator for economic and enterprise management, said many of the stall holders in some public markets have given up their rights saying that business is not good in their location because of the lack of accessibility for public transportation. 

Senapo cited the Ramos Public Market as an example where many stall holders have already given up their stalls despite the improvement of the building.

Ramos market has the newest buildings and facilities among the 10 markets constructed by the city but apparently the infrastructure did not help increase the traffic in the area.

"We have to address this issue. How can we make these markets more responsive to the needs of the people. We are looking at improving the traffic patterns," Senapo said.

There is no Public Utility Jeepney that will take one direct to the market. Senapo said that to get to the area, one may ride a PUJ that will take her to the nearest jeepney stop and from there she has to walk to the area.

"Kung manaog ka sa jeepney, mulabang pa ka'g dalan and these jeepneys also pass at carbon market, so where's the incentive there?" Senapo said.

He said that unlike the old Ramos Market where an office that releases police clearance was established, the new market no longer has appeal to consumers.

"We should treat the design and location sa market that fits to the needs of consumers. Not only in Ramos but we are also having problems with Taboan Market where there are actually people living in their stalls," Senapo said.

Dwelling in stalls prevents the maintenance of cleanliness and orderliness in the area. Because these vendors who dwell in their stores bring their children with them, which compounds the problem because these minors are often the cause of petty crimes in the market area.

"Daghan kaayo mga minors na snatchers but because of special laws, we cannot touch them. That is why we are asking the police to activate their women's and chil-dren's desk closed to the markets," Senapo said.

Senapo said they are currently looking for ways and alternatives to increase the viability of the markets in the city.

Mayor Michael Rama has ordered the market authority to extend its jurisdiction over other operating informal markets in the barangays since they are currently limited to the 10 markets constructed by the city.

Senapo said that the market authority must extend its jurisdiction over these informal markets not to the extent of taking over its operation but only by setting stan-dards.

"I think it is more of a policy issue. Markets are operated by the barangays which we should give to the barangays. Maybe what the city can do to just set the standards," he said.  (FREEMAN)