Night market may open despite COVID-19 pandemic

CEBU, Philippines — The popular night market on Colon Street in Cebu City, which traditionally opens during the Christmas season up to the Sinulog festivities in January, may just reopen this year even with the COVID-19 pandemic but with restrictions.

The city’s market authority head, Irvin Cabales, told The Freeman he has already submitted a proposal to the Office of the Mayor for approval.

One of the restrictions is to limit the number of vendors to just a little over 300 instead of the usual over 400 to comply with physical distancing requirements. 

Part of the proposal is the market authority ensuring that vendors will comply with minimum health standards to avoid transmission of the virus, Cabales said.

The vendors will also help clean up the market every night.

The night market stretches from the obelisk at the Parian area on Colon Street up to the intersection of Colon Street and Osmeña Boulevard.

Cabales said they will also apply the “One entrance, one exit “policy at the night market with marshals monitoring and controlling the movement of shoppers.

Should the mayor approve the proposal, Cabales said the market might just run up to March next year, instead of just until January.

“Base sa proposal, mag-start ta og December ug hangtud na sa March,” he said.

(Based on the proposal, we will start in December and run until March.)

Commuters can also expect vehicle traffic to be rerouted if the market pushes through.

In the previous year, vendors who will displaced from the streets during clearing operations were prioritized for the market.

The night market has been attracting local and foreign tourists with selections of food, clothes, and even house items at affordable prices. It usually opened at 5 p.m. and ran until 12 midnight. — JMO (FREEMAN)