Aliviado: In plain sight

I HAVE an unusual hobby, which is, going to public markets every now and then. In every place that I had been, I always make it a point to go to this rural commercial center because it is the place where I can buy things on the budget. Besides that, I get to know new items that are sold uniquely in that place. In some way, the Salo Tabo event last January 11 to 15, 2010 widened my knowledge on the various products being produced in this region. Since I first witnessed this event three years ago, I always look forward for another expo in the coming months.

Here in the city of golden friendship, I always take time to go Cogon public market to buy fish and other food items that I found to like. It is here that I can buy anything that is affordable and usually I take time to eat rice cake downed with hot chocolate inside. It is in here also that I felt like in Taboan, a place in my hometown Cebu City. And like Taboan, there is garbage everywhere. Specifically you can see a pile of this at the northern sector of the market, between a gasoline station and Pala supermarket.

Click here for stories and updates on the Sinulog 2010 Festival.

One can only surmise that it is normal to have a sight like that when you are in a market place. I agree with that statement, but would it not be agreeable also to have a constant cleaning up operation on this area? And I mean in an hourly basis, since there are also food stores inside the building, taking into account that garbage is good breeding ground for the flies, food borne diseases are a strong possibility. If not the flies, the reeking stench makes every passerby cover his or her nose while walking hurriedly away. I heard from our officials that our markets have world class facilities, but the sight of the garbage makes me think otherwise, taking into consideration also that the elevators are not functioning.

Local political aspirants and reelectionists will get my votes if they will do something about this simple matter. Honorable sirs and madams, you do not need to tell us your big dreams for this beloved city. Start by doing the small ones, like the garbage problem in Cogon market and this includes the whole city especially in the creeks. Do it for your beloved city and your constituents.

(Be one with me in hoping for a better change. Send your comments at jaliviado2001@yahoo.com)