QC markets warned to improve facilities

QUEZON City Mayor Herbert Bautista warned private market operators in the city that they have three months to fix their establishments or face closure.

Bautista issued the stern warning on Friday to around 30 private market operators after the city government inspected the establishments from February to August and found several violations such as building, sanitation, environmental and zoning standards.

In a meeting, Bautista said the market operators have 90 days to repair and renovate their facilities, as well as comply with the city’s Market Code and other laws and regulations with regards to market operations, otherwise their establishments would be shut down.

So far, Bautista said, only the Super Palengke in Project 8 and the Arayat Market in Cubao have complied with the city’s regulatory requirements.

Owners of eight private markets in Balintawak weren’t included in Friday’s meeting since they have earlier agreed to renovate their facilities.

Bautista, however, clarified that the initiative was not meant to intimidate the market operators and close down the markets but only to encourage them to improve their facilities.

“We just want them to feel that we are serious in helping them improve their businesses,” Bautista said.

Bautista earlier told market owners and operators they have until December to comply with all the regulatory requirements. This was after the city health department reported that majority of the city’s markets do not have health and sanitation permits.