The City Planning and Development Office (CPDO) wants an overhaul of all shops at the Kayang Market District to safeguard public health and allow the city government to maximize the use of its resources.
Among other things, the CPDO wants the city government to implement proper zoning of shops occupying seven structures at Kayang Street.
In her presentation of the development plan for stalls and shops at Kayang before the city council, CPDO Chief Donna Tabangin said there is a need to improve the manner business is done in the area to safeguard public welfare.
The plan intends to come up with an ideal “tenant mix” in the seven buildings in which shops selling various produce and merchandise and offering services will be subject to zoning and compliance with health and sanitation standards.
For instance, Tabangin said stalls selling meat and fish at Kayang St. should follow standards distinct from the ones imposed on stalls at the wet section of the public market.
If at the wet market the products are displayed in open stalls, Tabangin said shops selling the same items at Kayang St. must keep the produce in cold storage facilities.
Shops selling fruits and vegetables should also be separate from those that display dry goods and other merchandise.
To achieve a desirable tenant mix, Tabangin said store owners must be made to stick to selling the items or offering the services indicated in their business permit.
If a shop is issued a permit to sell meat or fresh produce, the owner must not add others items.
Tabangin said the city government, which owns the 2.4-hectare property where the seven structures stand, should impose parameters to ensure order, cleanliness, and safety in the area.
“Any area in the central business district should be safe and clean. There should be no feeling of uneasiness due to safety and sanitation issues when one is visiting a place,” Tabangin said.
She added there are interior spaces in the seven buildings that are not maximized due to poor or lack of structure planning.
Other requirements for shops at the market district in compliance with national standards are good lighting and ventilation, organized product display, sanitary system, signage, and solid waste collection system.
Tabangin also suggested the city government should support these businesses to be affected by the development through financial assistance and technical support for the improvement/design of their shops.
She expressed hope the development plan would also be implemented in other district markets in the future.
The city council referred the plan to the committee on market, trade and commerce and agriculture for appropriate action. – Jane B. Cadalig with reports from Jordan Habbiling
September 30, 2023
