P60 million revenue from city markets since January

CEBU, Philippines — The Office of the City Markets in Cebu City has so far collected over P60 million or around 40 percent of its total target collection for the 2024.

The OCM reported that it has already collected P60,028,467.67 since January this year.

OCM head Robert Barquilla told The Freeman that they also observed an increase in the revenue collection during the first five months of 2024 compared to the same period last year. The biggest collection this year comes from the Pasil fish market with P13,737,647.77.

With more improvements currently being worked on at the Pasil fish market, OCM is expecting more collection from the said market in the second half of this year.

Carbon Market’s Unit 1 contributed P6,717, 612.15; Unit II (P5,031,216.26); Unit III (P6,101,561.90); Pardo Fish Market (P2,326, 199.38); Ramos Market (P1, 613,807.14);  T. Padilla Market (P1,400, 184.27); Tabo-an (P6, 154, 413.39); Freedom Park (P3,175, 458.29); and Warwick Barracks (P2,636, 502.12.)

The OCM also reported P4,684,515 revenue collection from the pay parking; P6,010,705 from cash ticket or arkabala from the night market; P51,830 from space rentals; P309,500 from market violations; and P77,315 from miscellaneous.

Stricter enforcement of the rules and regulations in the public markets also paved the way for more collections from violations, including illegal stall extension, e-bike obstruction and no parking at designated areas.

The collection from parking fees also improved after more parking spaces have been provided in units 1, 2 and 3 of the Carbon Market. Barquilla, however, noted a decrease in the revenue collection from Unit 1 due to lesser supply of pork because of the African Swine Flu (ASF).

Ramos Market also had a lower collection this year as some stalls have closed down due to ongoing renovations in the area. In 2022, OCM was able to collect P137.96 million and P139.55 million in 2023. — /FPL (FREEMAN)