AT ‘TINDA’Y LABI’

THE prior agreement to pay the city government only P50 for every P300 from every exhibitor occupying a space of six square meters each in the “Tinda’y Labi” event still stands.

This was clarified by event organizers, Badminton Association of Dagupan and the Dagupan “Bangus” Jaycees, who spoke through Dennis Canto, over-all chairman of “Tinda’y Labi”.

He said this was actually the initial sharing agreement forged with the city government but it can go higher depending on the response of participants to the project.

The city council had opposed the deal citing the measly amount pegged for the income to be earned by the city.

Some city hall observers agreed with the position of the city council noting that the privilege extended the organizers for their exclusive use of the city street fronting the city hall and plaza is worth much more than P50 per trader participating in the event.

Opening Night

During “Tinda’y Labi’s” opening night on November 10, traffic stood still for as long as 15 minutes in Dagupan’s principal streets late afternoon owing to its promotions and preparations.

While Canto said the launching was a success as there were no complaints from exhibitors concerning their earnings, he is hoping that the traders will continue to earn so that they will not cut short their participation in the night market.

The second night was cancelled because of typhoon Queenie, which hit northern Luzon over the weekend. To make up for this, organizers have set November 26 as an extra date.

Almost 100 traders have joined the night market and live bands sponsored by big companies performed on opening night.

Then Acting Mayor Alvin Fernandez issued a temporary permit for the event when the Sanggunian Panlungsod, seeking a bigger share for the city government, suspended its deliberation of an ordinance authorizing and regulating the same.

The city council wanted a bigger share from the project after learning that the organizers were able to get big sponsors such Smart Telecommunications, Inc. and Ginebra San Miguel, among others.

Canto said they could only agree to pay the city P50 since they are shouldering all the costs, including the electricity and rental for the sound system and clarified that the sponsorship of big companies from Manila were not in cash form but sponsorship of live bands to entertain shoppers.

“Abuno pa nga kami dito eh. We are shouldering the electricity, sound systems, among others. Ang mahalaga lang naman dito ay makita namin na kumikita yung mga exhibitors para ma-encourage silang manatili throughout the duration of the event.” said Canto.

Canto said they are continuously encouraging and promoting the “Tinda’y Labi” to help the city stimulate its economic activities at night. — AQL

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