Cebu City launches “Tugbong Tabo”

CEBU, Philippines - The Cebu City Government formally opened yesterday morning the “Tugbong Tabo” at the open grounds of Plaza Sugbo.

But Cebu City Agriculture Department Chief Joelito Baclayon clarified that they do not intend to compete with the Farmers Market at the South Road Properties in Barangay Mambaling, Cebu City, which was launched by former mayor Tomas Osmeña over two weeks ago.

Baclayon stressed that they simply want to give farmers the opportunity to sell their products. The trade market starts every Thursday evening and closes Saturday morning.

“Gihatagan nato og kahigayunan ang mga mag-uuma nga makabaligya sa ilang mga tinanom o bisan unsang produkto,” he told reporters yesterday.

The Tugbong Tabo was launched six years ago and has been an annual activity, but this is the first time for the project to be done at the Plaza Sugbo fronting the Cebu City Hall.

In previous years, the Tugbong Tabo was held in 18 different urban centers, including in Cordova town and in Ayala Center Cebu.

The Plaza Sugbo, which is a rehabilitated open area in between the City Hall and the Magellan’s Cross park, is the 19th among the identified urban centers.

Baclayon explained that from 2,500 farmers of the Cebu Farmers Association, they will alternately select every week on who can display their products.

For this week, at least 49 farmers from 12 mountain barangays has been accommodated for free, including those from barangays Sudlon 1, Sudlon 2, Buot, Adlaon, Budlaan, Pulangbato, Sirao, Mabini, Guba, Sinsin, Pamutan, Busay and also from the Carbon Market Complex.

Baclayon said they intend to accommodate more farmers next week to occupy the whole square of Plaza Sugbo.

He said the products and goods are sold at a lower price compared to the set price at the Carbon Market.

Free transportation is also provided for free for the farmers and their products from their place going to the designated marketplace.

68-year-old Ampero Alimorin from Barangay Mabini, is grateful for being given a chance to display his goods.

“Nalipay kaayo ko nga nagbaligya diri tungod kay kon wala ni kay magsuroy ko sa amoa. Nagbaligya man ko og budbod ug saging, ang kaning saging akong tinanom,” said Alimorin. — May B. Miasco/ATO (FREEMAN)