URDANETA CITY – This city can teach its neighbors, particularly the city of Dagupan, a lesson or two in managing a public market.

Mayor Amadeo Perez Jr., who is at the helm of the construction project for the new Public Market, said they have no fears about temporarily locating the wet market at the third floor of the first phase of the market building because the goods sold there are a “necessity” and consumers are sure to follow.

Perez said they have also ensured convenience for buyers by installing escalators leading up to both the second and third floors of the building.

Dagupan’s local government has been facing financial difficulties with the low occupancy level of its controversial Malimgas Market.

 The wet market in Urdaneta is being moved from the second floor, which contractors will soon work on for some finishing touches.

Vendors of meat, fish, vegetables and other perishable goods will be moved back to their permanent location at the second floor as soon as the work is completed. The first floor of the building is already occupied by stores selling dry goods. The third floor and succeeding rooftop will serve as pay parking areas.

At the same time, Perez announced that Phase I of the public market is set to be completed by the last week of December or the first week of January next year.

This will replace the public market that was gutted years ago but which took a few years to be built for lack of funds.

Costing P165 million, Phase I of the public market is being bankrolled by P75 million from the Countrywide Development Fund of Rep. Mark Cojuangco, matching the P75 million made available by the city government. President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo filled in the P15 million balance.

Construction of Phase II of the Public Market has already started through a P170 million loan made by the city government from the Land Bank of the Philippines.

Slated to be completed after eight months, Phase II of the Public Market, including Phase I, is expected to ensure bigger economic prospect in Urdaneta soon.

Perez said because of the ongoing widening of the Mac Arthur highway in the central business district, the two market buildings under construction had been set back by at least five meters from the highway. — LM

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