BAGUIO City Mayor Mauricio Domogan stands firm on the cooking ban at the Harrison Road night market.
Domogan, who heads the Baguio City Market Authority, is adamant on the ban of cooking and re-heating food at the night market, citing health standards set by the Health department.
The mayor said it has long been proposed to vendors to use the Ganza parking area for cooking and selling food, saying there is running water in the area and enough space to accommodate the vendors but was met with rejection.
Cooking ban at the entire stretch of the night market has been implemented citing violations on cleanliness and sanitation which left the body with no choice.
The Health department has repeatedly asked the BCMA to ban cooking at the area citing unsanitary practices and health risks involved in the products.
A common complaint is cooking oil used by vendors are thrown into the drainage as well as plant boxes in the park area which has alarmed the City Environment and Parks Management Office.
There were formerly 93 food vendors selling food products during the night market but has now dwindled to a handful because of the cooking ban.
The night market phenomenon started in 2007 when vendors of ukay-ukay stalls along Calderon Street started selling their ware at night on makeshift tables as well as on the pavements.
For the past years, the night market has morphed into a destination of sorts, with stalls filling a lane of Harrison Road.
Domogan said a temporary site is being eyed for the night market at the peripherals of Melvin Jones, away from the street.