MANGALDAN—A new and modern public market is set to be built here to replace the old one that was gutted in a fire last Tuesday dawn.

Mayor Herminio Romero said the staff of 4th District Congressman Jose de Venecia Jr. are now helping map out plans for the construction of a new market.

Romero also promptly denied speculations that a shopping mall will soon rise at the site, saying he is personally against this because he wants to protect local businessmen.

About 80 percent of the old structure was burned down and some 800 stallholders, many of them small-scale vendors, were displaced by the fire that broke out at 3:00 a.m.

“Kawawa ang mga maliliit na negosyante kapag pinayagan namin ang isang mall, said Romero, pointing out that Magic and CSI (City Supermarket Inc.) already have shops in the town.

Damage to property from the fire was estimated at P200 million, including goods that were on stock for the Christmas holidays.

The displaced stallholders are relocated temporarily along De Guzman Street to keep their business and income going.

At the same time, Romero has asked De Venecia to help arrange for a low-interest     credit package with a financial institution for the affected stallholders.

Romero said the new market, which will be operated by the municipal government, will be more functional and organized. —LM

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