CEBU, Philippines — Saying it could possibly affect their livelihood, some members of the Carbon Market Vendors aired their grievances before the council regarding the application to reclassify the land use status in the area to commercial.
Councilor Nestor Archival Sr., the proponent of session, explained that the executive session was conducted amidst the various applications submitted by Cebu2World Development Inc. for land use and parking exemptions for their proposed development projects.
He said there is currently a Joint Venture Agreement (JVA) between Megawide Construction Corp. and Cebu City for the development of the Carbon Market. He added that it is necessary to understand the nature of these applications to address the potential significant implications moving forward.
Archival further said that among the applications is a proposal to reclassify the land use of the area from institutional to commercial. He emphasized that it is important to determine the effects of the reclassification on the vendors.
The first person to speak was Anna Marie Oriosa, chairwoman of the Carbohanong Alyansa and Calderon Barracks Association, who spoke on behalf of the members. She sought the council s understanding regarding the application for the reclassification of the land use status.
Nasorpresa mi nga human namo mabasas ang resolution sa zoning board, nahibaw-an namong aduna na diay nahitabong public hearing, among i-highlight nga wala mi supak sa kalamboan diha sa Carbon, we recognize the need for change that benefits the greater community, said Oriosa.
Oriosa sought clarification on why the application for reclassification was only submitted now, considering that the JVA was signed three years ago which, in her opinion, blurs the clarity of the planning process.
She also raised another concern about their low revenues. According to her, Cebu2World has widened the fences around the barracks, which has narrowed Esca o and Calderon Streets.
Naghatagkini og kalisod sa among customers sa pagduol sa among mga dalan panahon sa night market, mao ni ang nakita namong hinungdan nganong ni hinay-hinay ming nawala-an og mga customer ug nimenos among panghalin, she said.
They also sought answers as to why the public hearing was conducted without informing them, thus excluding them as stakeholders who may be affected. She added that they were also excluded when the JVA was signed years ago.
Further, Oriosa also sought clarification on the effects of the reclassification of the zoning from public institutional use to commercial.
Isip vendors, kami nahingawa. Kung ang Carbon Public Market magpabilin isip constitutional use, dili ba ang syudad will retain greater control on how it is managed with decisions guided by the public welfare than profit? said Oriosa.
She also expressed concern that, should the zoning be reclassified to commercial, Cebu2World may gain control over how the market is managed, including rental fees. Oriosa further sought security over their livelihood and requested the reconsideration of the application to change the zoning.
Arlene Subing-subing, a core member of the Carbohanong Alyansa, also raised the concern that, if the zoning were reclassified to commercial, there might be an increase in the rental fees for their stalls.
Kay maghisgot ta g commercial, ginansya man g yud ang tuyo ani, diba? Mag-unsa nalang ang mga gagmayng vendors kung commercial na ang maong merkado? Subing-subing told the council.
She also sought clarification on the ownership of the market area, noting that this is one of their primary concerns, alongside the ongoing developments that affect the accessibility of customers to their stores, leading to a decrease in their revenues.
Like Oriosa, Subing-subing reiterated their grievances about the lack of public hearings prior to the implementation of the reported developments.
Councilor Noel Wenceslao explained that the zoning ordinance is a local policy, and prior to the application for reclassification, a public hearing should have been conducted. — /BRP (FREEMAN)