Warwick Barracks to be configured

CEBU, Philippines - Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama is planning to “configure” the Warwick Barracks in Barangay Ermita after a fire hit the market early this month, displacing over a hundred stall owners.

During Rama’s visit to the said area yesterday, he promised vendors they will never be deprived of their livelihood. He also briefed the vendors of his plan to beautify and enhance the area identified as a market under the zoning ordinance of the city.

“I went to Barangay Ermita and I pleaded for their understanding. We will bring it to its usefulness what was the law or the ordinance under the zoning which is being identified as a market. Being a market we already have told them, whoever the vendors or occupants will never be deprived by the temporary configuration. All of them should be given an opportunity to be into selling,” Rama said.

Also, Rama stressed that being a market it should have an open space. According to reports, the stalls are also being used as dwellings.

“All will be treated equally, with regards with the sizes of the stalls,” he said.

Rama said the approach will be realized with the participation of the stall owners, barangay officials of Ermita, market authority and city engineer Jose Marie Poblete. The private sector will also come in to help.

“Pasudlon ang Pepsi, CDO and Cola-Cola to help them reconfigure the whole area, bringing them part of that space and for the meantime be part of the Freedom Park,” he said.

“As soon as ang design ma put in place kadtong mga naninda diha nakakwarta diha sa Warwick are all being guaranteed nga to be accommodated and that will bring them to feel secure and give them opportunity to earn. Wa lang maghinangol, bintahuso, mamintaha busa motabang ang tanan kay sila ra man ang mabulahan,” he said.

He added Warwick Barracks will be fenced. There will be temporary roads and a parking area to be managed by the vendors themselves.  (FREEMAN)