Peaceful clearing operations near Carbon Public Market

CEBU, Philippines — Unlike in other clearing operations in the past, the removal of stalls along M. C. Briones Street in Cebu City went peacefully.

The clearing operations were initiated by the Market Operations Division (MOD) and Prevention Restoration Order Beautification Enhancement (PROBE) with equipment from the Department of Public Services as ordered by Mayor Michael Rama.

The move was to clear the area and recover the sidewalks.

“Ang papel sa PROBE is to assist, considering nga karsada ni. So, mao na naa ta. Gawas pa sab, partners gyud ang Market ug ang PROBE sa pagpahapsay, pagpalimpyo sa atong siyudad, apil na ang kamerkadohan,” said Raquel Arce of PROBE.

According to the City’s PIO, the clearing operation started last September 28 with close to a hundred stalls have already been cleared.

Prior to its clearing, stall owners were properly informed and given leeway to keep their belongings and projects properly.

“Grabe ang due process ug lugway nga panahon, ato gyud gihatag nila,”said Wayne Cenas, Market Operations Division head.

Although they were cleared from the area, the stall owners were also given temporary relocation at the side of Carbon Market Unit III at F. Gonzales and Plaridel Extension.

“Pagguba nila, balhin dayon sila. Walay adlaw nga dili sila kapaninda, padayon ilang panginabuhian….Kinahanglan ma-establisar ang sidewalk. Wa magpasabot naa sila diha hastang sidewalk ilahang i-apil og gamit. Kinahanglan ang tawo ari gyud sa sidewalk moagi kay once mahapsay na ni karsada na man ni siya, risgo na sa tawo kung ari siya moagi a karsada,” added Arce.

The Carbon Market’s redevelopment is still ongoing and it is expected to be done in two years. — LPM (FREEMAN)