Cebu vendors, residents decry Carbon Public Market privatization

‎Local vendors and residents in Cebu staged protests to oppose the ongoing redevelopment of Carbon Public Market, the city’s oldest and largest public market, into a privatized facility.

‎On March 14, the vendors’ coalition Carbon-hanong Alyansa organized a rally against the planned takeover of the market’s redevelopment and operations by Megawide Construction Corporation and its subsidiary Cebu2World Development Inc..

‎Carbon Market vendors and Sitio Bato residents expressed their opposition through a prayer rally at Cebu Freedom Park.

‎They also staged a noise barrage by banging metal kitchenware, protesting the privatization, which they said could increase rental costs up to tenfold and threaten their livelihoods.

‎In a previous interview with Explained PH, vendors said they were concerned about the significant increase in rental fees once they transfer to the new facility, adding that the costs may be unaffordable alongside electricity, transportation, and other operational expenses.

‎Meanwhile, a stall owner said they would continue to mobilize efforts to fight for their rights in an interview with Tug-Ani.

‎“Publiko man ang Carbon. Isa siya ka merkado nga gikan sa masa ug para sa masa. Dili gyud mi mohunong hangtod madaog namo ang laban batok sa pribatisasyon,” the vendor said.

‎(Carbon is public. It is a market from the masses and for the masses. We will not stop until we win the fight against privatization.)

‎Erwin Goc-ong, chairman of Cebu Market Vendors Multipurpose Cooperative, said the redevelopment threatens the long-established community of vendors and residents in the area.

‎Goc-ong added that they have sought support from members of Congress and expressed optimism that lawmakers will assist them in their cause.

Redevelopment deal

‎In 2021, Megawide entered into a joint venture agreement with the Cebu City Government to redevelop Carbon Public Market for an initial P5.5 billion, which has since increased to P8 billion.

‎The Cebu City Council is set to review the joint venture agreement on March 17, as most current council members were not part of the body that initially approved the project.

‎As of writing, Megawide and the Cebu City Government have yet to issue statements regarding the concerns raised by vendors and residents.

‎Vendors are urging city officials to ensure that any redevelopment plan protects small businesses and keeps the market accessible to ordinary consumers, as tensions over the market’s future continue to grow.