City government earns P1.6 million from Colon night market

CEBU, Philippines —  The Cebu City Government collected at least P1.696 million from the “arkabala” of participating vendors of Colon night market from November 2022 until November 2023.

In a press conference Friday, December 8, Cebu City Treasurer Mare Var Reyes said the accumulated amount was from the P10 to P50 “arkabala” that the vendors are required to pay.  This arkabala is included in the P200 stall rental per night that the Cebu City United Vendors Association (CCUVA) is collecting as organizer.

“The arkabala is a part of our taxes, so it goes to the city. We issue the cash ticket receipts. Per night na sya, every stall per night, ang collection is depende sa gidak-on sa stall,” said Reyes.

With just the arkabala alone, the city government could collect up to P262,000 per night. This is according to their most recent record for November 2023 summing up an entire collection of P1,696,374 from November 2022 to November 2023.

The Chibogan sa Kamagayan will, however, continue even without the night market vendors whose operations are only from November to January.

Maria Pino, night market organizer, said that their operation and maintenance for the city night market came from the said collection including the salaries of their support committees.

According to Pino, the beautification of Kamagayan was also from their night market collection. As to the questions on why the night market has reached Junquera Street instead of retaining the usual Colon stretch, Pino said it has already been part of their proposal before the Cebu City Council.

“Tungod kay ang programa sa Junquera, kanang Chibogan sa Kamagayan mao na ang gisugo sa amoa sa Mayor, niigon sya ‘Maria himoang night market ang Kamagayan for vendors’,” she said.

She admitted that they are operating the Chibogan sa Kamagayan at a loss having spent more than what they are earning from its operation. They are, however, hopeful to recover the loss this December.

According to Pino, the mayor has promised that they can continue to use the lot in Kamagayan and function as Chibogan as long as the government will not be using the said area.

“Aron daw dili puy-an og mga eskwaters, nya di sad magamit og bisan unsa nga mga personalan,” said Pino.

Currently, there are 500 vendors at the Colon night market. (CEBU NEWS)