Manila Mayor Joseph Estrada inaugurates the newly built Quinta Market in Quiapo Manila on his 80th birthday on Wednesday April 19, 2017. INQUIRER PHOTO / GRIG C. MONTEGRANDE
Nearly two years after they were displaced by its closure, around 250 vendors reopened their stalls at the newly renovated Quinta Market and Fishport in Quiapo on Wednesday.
The “modernized” two-story structure with a fish port was inaugurated by Mayor Joseph Estrada who also celebrated his 80th birthday yesterday.
The two-story market which was renovated by Marketlife Management and Leasing Corp. at a cost of P150 million boasts wet and dry sections, an air-conditioned restroom, a food court and a parking lot that can accommodate 100 vehicles.
Estrada said that the opening of the fish port would not only boost business but also help decongest traffic in the area as produce, like those from Navotas, could be transported through Pasig River.
Ferry terminal
He added that the city government and Philippine Ports Authority were also eyeing the construction in the coming months of a ferry terminal beside the fish port.
The new route to be opened may be used as an alternative by Quiapo-bound commuters and market goers while promoting the use of the Pasig River ferry system being operated by the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority, he said.
In July 2015, Estrada ordered the demolition of the old Quinta market to pave the way for a more “modern, convenient and mall-like” establishment. However, the move was opposed by vendors who alleged that the joint venture agreement between city hall and Marketlife Management was “anomalous” and would lead to the privatization of the public market.
Joey Delada, Quinta market master, however, said that despite the improvements in the new market place, vendors would be charged the old rental fee of P30 a day.
He added that ambulant vendors would be prohibited from selling their goods in front of the market “to give stall owners the chance to earn a living.”
Quinta is the fifth market to be inaugurated by Estrada under his market rehabilitation program. Reopened last year were the markets in Sampaloc, Sta. Ana, San Andres and Trabajo. Set to be inaugurated this year are the Pritil, Central and Antipolo markets.