Weekend markets seen to boost livelihood in Taguig

FILE: WEEKEND MARKET. Shoppers walk through the Employees Park of the Taguig City Hall during the launch of a weekend market in the city on Friday (March 6, 2020). The rise of weekend markets in the city aims to provide livelihood opportunities for small businesses. (PNA photo by Lloyd Caliwan)

MANILA – The city government of Taguig launched its weekend markets for ambulant vendors to provide more livelihood opportunities.

“Nakakalat ito sa tatlong venue sa iba’t ibang lugar sa lungsod ng Taguig [These are spread in three venues in different places in the City of Taguig],” Mayor Lino Cayetano told reporters late afternoon on Friday.

The weekend markets were opened in three areas for ambulant vendors who had previously been removed from the streets due to the city’s comprehensive drive to improve mobility.

“Magkaroon ng isang lehitimong lugar kung saan sila makakapagtinda at matulungan sila ng pamahalaang lungsod para makaakit ng mas marami pang mga customer (They will be a provided with a legitimate place where they can sell their goods and be assisted by the city government for them to attract more customers), ” he said.

Products of small and medium enterprises are on sale at the Flea Market Bazaar at the Taguig Employees’ Park.

Stalls are open from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Meanwhile, the Farmers Market in Mercado Del Lago is open from 6 a.m. to 4 p.m. Vegetables, fruits, crops, and other products will be available where bayongs will be given to shoppers. The Wet Market along Veterans Road will be open from 6 a.m. to 8 a.m. and 3 p.m. to 8 p.m.

“It’s an opportunity para sa maliliit na negosyante (It’s an opportunity for the small business owners),” Cayetano said.

Spaces were given to generate income without obstructing roads and disrupting traffic.

The markets offer a wide selection of products for customers within and outside the city which is expected to boost the local economy and tourism.

In compliance with the city’s zero-waste plan, single-use plastics are prohibited from all sites.

The local government instead encouraged the public to bring their own recyclable bags.

Clothes, footwear, accessories, and ready-to-eat snacks, among others, are available along with eco-bags for the customers.

Proper waste segregation stations will also be available in the markets.

“To our fellow Filipinos, fishermen, farmers, vendors, sellers, to those who want to sell, just coordinate with us to those want to put up businesses. For those who want to avail of stalls, just coordinate with us in the City Hall, City Tourism Office, City Agriculture Office or with the Market Management Office,” Cayetano said in Filipino.

He added that the city government is also planning to put up weekend markets in parks, schools, covered courts and idle lots.