MANILA, Philippines — Some vendors were relocated to a temporary site at San Juan Plaza on Wednesday to allow them to continue their livelihood while renovation of Agora Market is ongoing, San Juan City government said Wednesday.
In a statement, the San Juan City Public Information Office said the temporary relocation site has 98 stalls with tents and tables installed with water and electricity for vendors affected by the renovation.
Vendors from vegetables, fruits, and miscellaneous sections will be relocated to the plaza in turns during the renovation that is expected to last 240 days.
San Juan Mayor Francis Zamora said the Agora Market, city’s main public market, will be ready for the “new normal.”
“Hindi na ‘to masyadong dikit-dikit. Ngayong panahon ng COVID, kinakailangan mag-adjust tayo. Yung bagong disenyo ng ating palengke ay adaptable na sa new normal,” Zamora told reporters after the launch of the temporary relocation site at San Juan Plaza.
(This will not have stalls that are close together. Especially now during COVID-19, we need to adjust. The new design of the market is adaptable to the new normal.)
The renovation is expected to completed by May 2021, Zamora also noted.
The Agora Market’s renovation will be able to modernize its facilities, improve ventilation, water lines and lighting fixtures, and provide hygienic counters, among others.