Two-month baratillo on despite protests
STALLHOLDERS at the Malimgas Public Market expressed indignation over the holding of a two-month baratillo in Dagupan, which opened November 5 and will last until January 5.
The baratillo, located along Galvan Street, is a featured activity of the Dagupan City Fiesta 2010.
The stallholders, all members of the Malimgas Aliguas Dagupan Vendors Federation (Madavfe), said they were surprised that the baratillo started November 5 when Councilor Jesus Canto, the fiesta hermano mayor, promised them that it would not start till November 25.
The baratillo is open to vendors from outside Dagupan who reportedly paid up to P50,000 each for the privilege.
Canto, also the chairman on the committee on market, cannot be reached for comment as he reportedly left for the United States with Councilor Alvin Coquia on a mission to promote the Dagupan City Fiesta and invite overseas Dagupenos to come home for the event.
Vice Mayor Belen Fernandez, coming to the defense of Canto, said the fiesta hermano mayor is possibly not aware that the baratillo was opened earlier upon the instruction of the city administration under Mayor Benjamin Lim.
Madavfe members, stunned by the decision of Lim to start the baratillo earlier, said it is unfortunate that the city is giving out-of-town vendors undue advantage over them.
Fernandez said she is aware of Canto’s commitment, as she was present during a dialogue with Madavfe members who strongly objected to the baratillo. The group earlier submitted a resolution indicating their protest to city hall, copy furnished the Sangguniang Panlungsod.
In the same resolution, Madavfe members also expressed their objection to the holding of a night market along A. B. Fernandez.
As a compromise, it was agreed that the baratillo will be opened only on November 25.
The night market which would be open on weekend nights, also started on November 5.
The market vendors lamented that they already suffered several setbacks this year, including from the recent typhoon Juan which caused flooding in the city, and were counting on good sales during the fiesta and Christmas season to recoup their losses.—LM
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