By Donna Rempillo
APALIT, Pampanga – A barangay in a far-flung area here has deployed what it called a “floating market” to bring food and basic goods to its constituents, who have been kept from travelling to the town center because of the enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) being implemented to prevent the spread of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).
A large bamboo raft filled with fresh meat, vegetables, fruits, groceries and even pastries has been making its way to Barangay Capalangan through the local river, giving residents the convenience of not travelling far to buy their household requirements.
“It’s very convenient here, of course considering the physical distancing, people here could buy fresh seafoods, vegetables, meat, pork and chicken, fruits, grocery and there is also a bakery. It’s complete and promising innovation that the barangay had created for the people.” Secretary to the Mayor Glen Danting described the convenience of having a floating market.
It was Mayor Jun Tetangco who encouraged barangay officials to come up with innovative measures to serve the people better.
It was from Tetangco’s call that Capalangan barangay officials thought of deploying the so-called wet market.
“It is a beautiful solution to decongest the Apalit public market. We encourage all other barangay to do talipapa ” Danting added.
The floating market moors on the banks of Purok 4, according to Barangay Capalangan Chairperson Jojo Garcia Ibe.
“Only 10 market goers at a time are accommodated to maintain social distancing. We are also implementing no masks no entry policy” Ibe said.
“We are considering this to do everyday with a schedule per purok to help our Cabalen since there is no public transportation available now. Here they can buy almost everything they need.” he added.
Also commended by the Apalit Municipal Police Office, the wet market will not only help residents with their daily needs, but also ensure peace and order in the barangay.
To date, Apalit has 61 suspected cases of COVID-19.