IF THE public market privatization pushes through, it will be a first for Baguio City.
Councilor Philian Weygan Allan said the success of the public-private partnership (PPP) in the city remains elusive.
“So far, the city has not undertaken a successful PPP in the past, according to the PPP Committee. However, Sto. Niño Hospital is a joint venture undertaken by this administration,” said Allan.
Allan, chair of the market committee, added, “we have always been very vocal that the present vendors be given a priority in the market development project. We got the commitment of the tech working group of Councilor Mylen Yaranon, likewise, the commitment of the P4 committee led by City Administrator Boni Dela Peña. Thus, this was included in the designs. We were assured the vendors will be given a space.”
Allan advised the market vendors can raise funds to challenge the original proponent status (OPS), adding the public can submit concrete suggestions on how development can be done in the market and the people in the market should start disciplining themselves and follow zoning, pricing, labeling and sanitation regulations.
“We should expose violations, dummies and support a clean government,” she added.
This week, Vice Mayor Faustino Olowan decided to get out of the People Selection Committee, the group overseeing its development, saying he voted for Robinsons Land Corporation. Mayor Benjamin Magalong overturned the decision of the group and awarded the OPS to SM Prime Holdings Incorporated.
“I am passionate about developing the market as I have seen cleaner, safe and organized markets better than our present market. That’s why I have campaigned for its development. However, decisions are made through a majority vote. In the council, I was the only one who voted for loan, but PPP won," Allan said.
"The city-funded is not feasible because it would mean we will have to sacrifice other critically important projects affecting health, environment and infrastructure to be able to raise enough money on our own. That was why I voted for a loan modality,” Allan added.
Opposition to privatization has also snowballed with groups and advocates appealing to the city government to keep the public market free from malls.
The Baguio Heritage Foundation Incorporated in the past said the market was formally established as the Baguio City Public Market in 1913 and is considered heritage and historical site. It became the center of trade of Kafagway even before Baguio became a chartered city.