CEBU CITY (Nov. 24, 2023) – Private-public partnerships (PPP) were instrumental in repairing some of the city’s markets, an official said.

Robert Barquilla, City Market administrator, said he continues to seek the help of the private sector in getting help to repair some of the city’s markets due to the limited funds that they have.

City Market administrator Robert Barquilla. 📷 Sugboanon Channel

Barquilla made the disclosure during the afternoon edition of “Kumusta Ka’Sugbo” aired on the Sugboanon Channel on Wednesday, Nov. 22, 2023. 

He told host and veteran broadcaster Ramil Ayuman that the City was able to secure PPP to help renovate and repair some of the city’s markets namely Carbon Public Market’s Unit 1 and Pardo Public Market.

Barquilla said Walter Ong of WorldWide Steel Group committed to donate at least 2,000 pieces of tiles worth P400,000 to help in repairing Unit 1’s flooring.

He said they need to replace Unit 1’s floor following complaints that the flooring there has become slippery and dangerous for vendors and visitors.

Barquilla personally knew Ong as members of the Rotary Club of Cebu Port Centre. 

Ong personally turned over the donated tiles to Barquilla on Nov. 16. 

𝗗𝗼𝗻𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻. City market administrator Robert Barquilla (center) receives the donation of tiles from businessman Walter Ong (right) and his sister, Marjorie (left). The tiles will be used to replace the flooring of Carbon Market’s Unit 1. 📷 𝘙𝘰𝘣𝘦𝘳𝘵 𝘓𝘭𝘢𝘮𝘢𝘥𝘰 𝘉𝘢𝘳𝘲𝘶𝘪𝘭𝘢

Aside from Ong, Barquilla also got the commitment of Megawide Construction Corp. (MCC) to donate cement to help in repairing Unit 1’s flooring.

MCC has a joint venture agreement with the City Government to redevelop the Carbon Public Market.

Repairs being done at the Poblacion Pardo Market. 📷 Robert Barquilla

Aside from Unit 1, repairs were also done at the public market in Barangay Poblacion Pardo through PPP.

Barquilla said Engr. Rodesson Yu, a fellow Rotarian, committed to help him repair the public market’s third floor which was damaged by Super Typhoon Odette almost two years ago.

Yu is the owner of D’new Hard Builders & Dev’t Corp (DHBDC), a construction firm.

Barquilla said Yu’s personnel have started their work at the market since last month. They are expected to complete work before the end of this month, he added.

Barquilla said that they are now opening the Pardo Public Market to potential renters.

“By December, nag-expect ta nga naa nay mo-rent so that means additional income para sa City,” he added.

Market Matters. City Market Administrator Robert Barquilla talks to Kumusta Ka’Sugbo (Afternoon Edition) anchor Ramil Ayuman concerning updates in his department. 📷 Sugboanon Channel

Other markets

Barquilla said he is targeting to enter into other PPPs in order to facilitate the repair and renovation of some of the city’s markets.

Aside from Carbon and Pardo, other markets in the city include the Ramos Public Market, Taboan Public Market, T. Padilla Public Market and the newly-renovated Pasil Fish Market.

He said Mayor Mike Rama had emphasized the need to partner with the private sector to help in improving the city’s markets.

“Gi-identify nana nato (the markets for PPP) kay matod sa atong mayor, atong mga programa ug proyekto sa Sugbo, naa na gyuy private sector participation,” Barquilla added. | PPRMN / jkv 

City earns P103M from public markets