MANILA, Philippines—The Quezon City government stopped retail operations in Balintawak on Saturday to maintain social distancing in accordance with the enhanced community quarantine that was implemented all over Luzon to curb the spread of COVID-19.
A consensus was reached following the meeting of city officials and seven market owners in Balintawak under the directive of Mayor Joy Belmonte.
“It was agreed that we would momentarily stop the retail operations in the markets of Balintawak,” said Belmonte in Filipino.
Those markets are Cloverleaf, North Division, Riverview I, Riverview II, Pilson’s MC, and Edsan Bagsakan.
Wholesale and product drop-off, however, is still allowed in Balintawak since the markets are crucial in ensuring the steady supply of vegetables and farm products in various parts of Metro Manila.
“Starting tomorrow, we expect the crowd to thin out in the area,” said Belmonte.
Albert Kimpo, the Assistant City Administrator for Operations, added that the market owners themselves would ensure the continuation of wholesale operations.
With retail stalls closed, the QC Fresh Market on Wheels program will thus accommodate the vendors.
“They will be picked up by jeepneys that the City will hire and will be brought to various barangays where they can sell their goods,” said Kimpo.
The Market Development and Administration Department, Task Force on Transport and Traffic Management, Task Force Disiplina, and Department of Public Order and Safety will man the area with personnel from Quezon City Police District to maintain low foot traffic along Samson Road.
Kimpo added that retail shoppers are not allowed to enter portions of Samson Road and Edsa in front of the Balintawak markets.
/atm