BAGUIO CITY – Vendors displaced by the public market fire here are back in business after the completion of the seven-day cleanup drive under the “Bangon Palengke” program on Monday, March 20.
A WEARY volunteer rests during the Baguio public market cleanup. (JJ Landingin)
Displaced vendors from Blocks 3 and 4 have been given temporary stalls which they received in a simple turnover led by Mayor Benjamin Magalong on Monday.
Magalong thanked individuals and organizations which “compassionately and passionately” provided services, comfort, and assistance to those affected by the fire on the night of March 11.
“The reason why we were able to make it (market rehabilitation) in only seven days instead of the projected three months is because of the hard work, the team work, and what we call ‘bayanihan’ (cooperation) spirit where everybody contributed,” Magalong said.
Magalong cited former Department of Tourism-Cordillera Director Venus Tan, now head of the Baguio Advisory Council, who was able to solicit P1.7 million from private donors for those affected by the fire.
He thanked city hall employees and Baguio police personnel who helped in the cleanup and showed their sense of social responsibility.
Market Superintendent Ceasar Emilio said 112 original stallholders can occupy the reconstructed stalls at the left side upper level of Block 3.
They have transferred to the area on Monday and 141 more can return to the right side on the same level, possibly, Tuesday, upon completion of the canvas roof installations.
The basement at Block 4 is expected to be finished soon to accommodate occupants.
With the completion of Blocks 3 and 4's safe areas and with Rillera Building now housing ten percent of the displaced vendors, Emilio projected that only 20 percent of the 1,642 affected vendors will be left in temporary relocation sites at Kayang-Hilltop, Zandueta, and 2nd Kayang as well as those occupying Malcolm Square, Igorot Garden, and Perfecto St.