AT THE MAGSAYSAY MARKET

THE Sangguniang Panlungsod (SP) rejected the request of stall holders at the Magsaysay Fish Market for a two-year moratorium on the 5% automatic increase of their rental rate on account of the pandemic and the adverse  effect of past typhoons on their business.

The SP based its action on the letter of City Treasurer Romelita Alcantara opposing the request of the Dagupan Fish Consignment and Ice Dealers Association (DAFCIDA) addressed to Vice Mayor and SP presiding officer Bryan Kua and Councilor Michael Fernandez, chairman on the committee on  finance, budget and appropriations, dated
January18, 2021.

“There should be 5% annual escalation in order to counter-balance our inflation, more particularly because we are not regularly updating our market code,” Alcantara told the SP.

She added that the Bureau of Local Government Finance of the Department of  Finance  gives target collection for the city not only on fees but also charges every year, which could not be met if the moratorium requested by DAFCIDA would be granted.

Majority members of the SP denied the request even if Councilor Teresa Coquia, chairman on the committee on market, submitted a one-year moratorium compromise to make up for DAFCIDA’s claim of poor delivery of services by the city, citing the failure of the city government to repair the leaking rooftop of the Magsaysay market.

Danila Cayabyab, DAFCIDA secretary, also told the SP during its virtual session that because of the pandemic, the fish supply being delivered to them has significantly decreased.

But Alcantara countered saying that the fish dealers are better off than stall holders at the Malimgas Market, especially those selling dry goods who don’t sell much nowadays.

Other reasons cited by Alcantara in opposing the request of DAFCIDA were:

1. The Dagupan City Market Code of 2006 has not been revised for the past fifteen (15) years. 2. Present rental at the Magsaysay Fish Market is only P 8.00/sq.m a day compared to the rental rate at the Malimgas Market which ranges from P18.00-P33/sq.m. Other private market stalls in Dagupan City impose a rental fee of Php 40.00-Php 50/sq. m./day.
3. The city’s demand for effective social services, health services, general services, and other basic services require budget support. (Leonardo Micua)

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