CEBU, Philippines — The Cebu City Council is seeking for more days for the Tabo sa Plaza Sugbo Program after traders complained about the reduction of their selling days from three to two.
Last Wednesday, Councilor Pastor "Jun" Alcover, Chairman of the Committee on Agriculture and Rural Development, addressed the council, highlighting the grievances of farmers and traders regarding the Tabo sa Plaza Sugbo Program.
Their main concern is the reduction of market days from three (Wednesday to Friday) to two (Thursday and Friday).
"Apan karon kay murag subo kaayo paminawon kay sige silag anha sa Tabo, pero giputol man mao ng matod pa nila, alkase sila kay mamaligya sila sa Thursday sa hapon, then inig Friday sa hapon, mularga nasad sila," said Alcover.
Alcover explained that the schedule was shortened due to complaints that goods sold at Plaza Sugbo were more expensive than those at the Carbon Public Market.
"Kung ang hinungdan mao ang ubang manindahay dira kay taas ang presyo og nakalapas sa lagda ning maong programaha, nganong amongon man ang uban nga nagtinarong?" Alcover said.
He emphasized that it is the responsibility of the City Agriculture Department to monitor and regulate prices. Instead of reducing market days, Alcover suggested flagging those who sell at higher prices.
He proposed that the solution lies in strengthening the coordination between the Cebu City government and the farmers and traders, saying the Tabo sa Plaza Sugbo program aims to create a direct link between the city government and farmers, providing a platform for marketing local produce.
During the discussion, Councilor Jocelyn Pesquera, the Council’s Majority Floor Leader, mentioned receiving similar complaints about higher prices at the Tabo compared to the Carbon Market.
She noted the fact that that farmers and traders use the spaces for free.
Councilor Philip Zafra added that the City Agriculture Department must ensure that only genuine farmers are allowed to sell at the Tabo.
With this, Alcover said that this will be a challenge for the CAD to thoroughly monitor the program.
The council approved a motion to request the Office of the Acting Mayor and the CAD to extend the Tabo sa Plaza Sugbo Program from two days to three days.
Additionally, the council approved a corollary motion to discuss with farmers and traders the implementation of uniform and clean stall tents. It also directed the CAD to submit a detailed report on the program’s benefits to farmers, assessing its advantages for both the tourism and agricultural sectors. (CEBU NEWS)