Carbon Market vendors hit council’s land-use decision

CEBU, Philippines — Various groups of Carbon Market vendors expressed “frustration and disappointment” over the Cebu City Council’s decision to deny their request to revert the public market’s land-use status to institutional.

This sentiment was conveyed in a joint statement from Carbon Market vendors, including members from the Cebu City United Vendors’ Association (CCUVA), Carbon Market Vendors Development Cooperative (CEMVEDCO), Carbonhanon Alyansa, and the Unit 3 Stallowners Association. The statement was released to the media last Thursday.

The vendors’ reaction followed a decision made a day earlier by the Cebu City Council, which rejected the proposal to revoke the zoning classification of the public market. Instead, the council maintained the market’s commercial land-use status, despite opposition from the vendors as raised by Councilor Nestor Archival Sr.

“We, the vendors of Carbon Public Market, express our deep frustration and disappointment, and we are disheartened by the decision to reclassify the market from institutional to commercial zoning,” the joint statement reads.

They further stated that the decision “blatantly prioritizes private interests” over the welfare of the vendors and the public.

The vendors emphasized that no “genuine” public hearing was held, which they believe is a critical issue that needs to be highlighted. They also noted that this contradicts claims made in Zoning Board Resolutions 24-074 and 24-075, presided over by Councilor Rey Gealon.

“These resolutions assert that no objections were raised during the public hearing. But how could we, the vendors, object when we were neither informed nor invited to participate?” the statement continued.

The vendors described the lack of consultation as a reflection of poor transparency and inclusivity, calling it a “glaring contradiction to the principles of good governance.”

The vendors also questioned Councilor Jerry Guardo’s assertion that the reclassification was necessary for Megawide and Cebu2World to secure business permits. They found it puzzling that these companies have reportedly been operating in the area for over a year under the existing institutional classification.

“How were permits issued, and business activities allowed to commence—including monthly rental charges as high as ?40,000 per stall—without the supposed reclassification? If such operations were possible before, why is reclassification suddenly deemed essential now?” they asked.

They further refuted claims that the reclassification would not affect rental rates, calling these assurances “misleading”—a concern they have consistently raised.

The vendors explained that the recently amended market code already includes provisions for yearly rent increases. Additionally, they added, the code reportedly grants Megawide and Cebu2World the authority to manage the market, including collecting rent and other fees from the vendors.

“How can the council assure us that the reclassification will not further burden vendors when current policies already place us at a disadvantage?” they asked.

“The reality on the ground is already dreadful,” they added.

The vendors explained that some of them, who had been displaced from Freedom Park, were relocated to the interim building. They noted that business in the interim building has been “slow, and many vendors have been unable to keep up with rent.”

Furthermore, they reported that many stalls have been closed, and livelihoods have been severely affected.

“Meanwhile, spaces previously occupied by vendors have been turned into commercial ventures by Megawide and Cebu2World, charging as much as ?40,000 per stall—rates far beyond what traditional vendors can afford,” they said.

In light of these issues, the vendors called on the Cebu City Council to take immediate action to address their concerns.

They also demanded assurances that genuine public consultations would be held to protect the rights of small vendors and uphold the original purpose of the Carbon Public Market as a space for marginalized sectors.

During the regular session last Wednesday, Councilor Joel Garganera explained that the proper course of action for the vendors’ concerns would be to file a motion for reconsideration before both the zoning board and the council.

Councilor Philip Zafra, in the same discussion, further explained that although they acknowledge the vendors’ concerns, the technicalities of the institutional land use of the area are intended for Freedom Park, not just for the vendors.

He added that the reclassification to commercial is meant to “correct” the designation so that it fits the current use of the area, which is now being utilized as a market. Zafra, however, assured that it is the legislation’s responsibility to ensure that the vendors are protected and will not face a surge in their rental fees.(CEBU NEWS)