Colon night market returns tomorrow 

CEBU, Philippines — Around 500 vendors are expected to return to Colon Street starting on Saturday, Dec. 14, after the Cebu City Council has approved the staging of another night market event.

Councilor Renato Osmeña, Jr. said that the participating vendors are members of the Alliance of Energetic Vendors Association, Inc. (AEVAI) and the Cebu City Street Traders Registered Group.

The annual night market activities on the oldest street of the country will be managed by the City’s Garbo Asenso Sumbanan Alyansa (GASA).

Osmeña said that all participating vendors must be a voter of Cebu City. In fact, they will be required to present a voter’s ID as proof of residency.

“These are all registered voters of Cebu (City). This is the number one criteria…to have a stall,” said Osmeña, who pushed for the return of the night market during the Christmas season.

According to the city public information office, GASA was asked to submit to the City Council a list of the actual number of recognized vendors as well as a report of collection for the rental of stalls plus expenses in the duration of the night market.

Prior to the City Council’s approval, organizers also had to get the Cebu City Police Office and Cebu City Transportation Office’s approval and support first. The CCPO and CCTO’s support is crucial in the event to ensure everyone’s safety.

A road closure will be implemented on Colon Street from 5:30 pm to 1:30 am the following day starting tomorrow to give way to the night market. — (FREEMAN)