THE Mandaue City government is encouraging its constituents to buy local to jumpstart the economy.

The Mandaue City Council supports the resolution authored by Mandaue City Councilor Nerissa Soon-Ruiz and Mandaue City Councilor Joel Seno encouraging the Mandauehanons to support local products.

In an interview, Ruiz said that to help the economy recover, she encourages the Mandauehanons to buy local products, particularly those sold along the streets.

She also requested the consumers to avoid haggling when buying from street vendors or small entrepreneurs.

The resolution states that the Department of Trade and Industry revived its campaign, “Buy Lokal,” in order for the local businesses, and micro, small and medium enterprises to recover from the economic losses brought by the disruption in business activity amid the Covid-19 pandemic.

The resolution says that to “shop local” or “Buy Lokal” develops resiliency in an economy as it implies that the products purchased by the consumer should be produced within their geographic proximity.

John Eddu Ibañez, executive secretary of Mandaue City Mayor Jonas Cortes, welcomed the resolution, agreeing that the Mandauehanons should support local products.

As the economy experienced hibernation during the enhanced community quarantine, Ibañez said buying local products will help jumpstart the economy.

Some businesses such as restaurants and shops selling motor parts have started to operate under general community quarantine, and Ibañez said the customers are also back. / KFD