THE launching of Puso Village on Thursday, July 17, 2025, after a three-year hiatus due to an ownership dispute, marks a significant step for Cebu City in leveraging its rich heritage and culture as a tourism asset.
This, according to City Councilor Joel Garganera, who attended the launching along with other city councilors.
Mayor Nestor Archival and Vice Mayor Tomas Osmeña were both noticeably absent during the launch after calling for a review of the Joint Venture Agreement (JVA) entered into by the Cebu City Government and Megawide Construction Corp. in 2021 to develop and modernize Carbon Public Market.
Puso Village, the commercial component of the multi-billion peso Carbon Public Market Redevelopment Project, is expected to draw tourists and complement existing attractions such as the nearby Plaza Independencia, the National Museum of the Philippines, Fort San Pedro, Basilica Minore del Santo Niño, Cebu Metropolitan Cathedral, the Chinese Museum and downtown restaurants and shops, among others.
Located at the downtown heritage area near Compania Maritima and City Hall, Garganera described Puso Village as the “missing link” in the city’s
tourism potential.
He said the downtown area, while rich in heritage, lacks evening attractions.
Garganera added that Puso Village will provide a crucial venue for tourists to rest and dine even after dark, noting the appeal of nighttime tours in the cooler weather with the added ambiance of lights.
Its operation in December 2022 was halted due to a preliminary injunction from the Court of Appeals over lot ownership of Compania Maritima and its vicinity that favored the Cebu Port Authority against the Cebu City Government.
City Council
Addressing the current dynamics at the City Council over the controversial Carbon modernization project, Garganera said he respects Osmeña’s call for a review of the JVA, including an approved ordinance supporting the modernization project and introducing amendments to the Market Code.
However, Garganera warned that not honoring agreements could deter future investors, signaling an unstable policy environment.
Garganera, now assistant majority floor leader, was a member of the previous City Council that approved the JVA between Megawide and City Hall.
He expects mediation and compromise to settle any differences within the current City Council as the sessions, he said, have been free of tension, with Osmeña promoting respectful debate on the matter.
The JVA which granted Megawide’s subsidiary, Cebu2World Development Inc. (C2W), a 50-year contract to transform the historic market has sparked concerns regarding vendor rights, potential displacement and the perceived privatization of a vital public asset.
Puso Village, which is the centerpiece attraction within the broader Cebu City waterfront redevelopment project, features local food stalls, curated retail and cultural experiences inspired by Cebuano heritage.
Archival, upon winning the mayoral race in the May polls, expressed plans to renegotiate the contract between the Cebu City Government and Megawide.
Archival and Osmeña both cited the need for more transparency and the fear of rental and other fee increase concerns raised by the Carbon market vendors.
Meanwhile, Garganera assured the JVA went through the proper approval process, which, he said, should be respected.
Refuting claims that Megawide disregards the poor, Garganera said the firm has committed resources not only for infrastructure but also for improving the lives of vendors.
However, Garganera acknowledged that the current administration may have identified areas for correction that the previous administration had overlooked.
Garganera, however, dismissed rumors of massive vendor displacement.
He said Megawide has accommodated “more than enough” vendors, including all ambulant vendors.
The project reportedly provides shelter for approximately 3,000 ambulant vendors, who currently have to endure various weather conditions to sell their goods.
Addressing concerns regarding increased rental, Garganera said the current daily vendor expenses, range from P350 to P500 (including lights, water, tickets, tents and garbage collection), with only P20 going to the City Government.
In contrast, he said once Megawide completes the main building, the daily rent will be P80-P100, covering all expenses, and will be protected by the Market Code. / EHP