Rama says no to daycare center in Warwick Market

CEBU, Philippines - Mayor Michael Rama does not support the construction of a day-care center for children inside the Warwick Barracks Market as recommended by the Ermita barangay officials.

However, unknown to the mayor, the project has already been included in the 2012 Annual Investment Plan (AIP), although the P500,000-project was not implemented yet because the Market Operations Division opposed it.

Market administrator Raquel Arce said the construction of a day-care center in that place is not good, considering that it can be considered that the city is allowing the long-term stay of the informal settlers in that area.

Rama also shared the same views, although he failed to say why the project has been identified during the conduct of the Executive Legislative Agenda during his first term as mayor.

Warwick Barracks Market is situated adjacent to the Freedom Park Market along F. Escaño and MC Briones streets, but the inner portion of Warwick Barracks Market is already being occupied as a residential area by hundreds of people.

The mayor, in an earlier interview, said he is planning to develop the Warwick Barracks through the cooperation of the private sectors.

According to the market administrator the situation in the Warwick Barracks Market is giving her a headache because only those occupying the roadside spaces are paying fees to the city government.

“Mao g’yud ni ang labing problema namo nga merkado sa tanang satellite markets,” said Arce.

She said the Ermita Barangay officials already constructed a day-care center near what used to be the power plant of the Visayan Electric Company along Kawit Street.  –(FREEMAN)