• THERESA MAE DULMAN
The Bacolod City government is exploring the possibility of establishing a permanent night market to officially implement a city ordinance.
City Administrator Atty. Mark Mayo said on Tuesday that Mayor Greg Gasataya is actively searching for a fixed location, with the primary goal of revitalizing the city’s downtown area during the evening hours.
While the city looks for a long-term solution, the temporary weekend night market along Araneta Street is set to end by January 11.
Mayo noted that several sites have already been suggested for the permanent market.
However, they are still conducting a thorough study, focusing on how to balance economic activity with potential traffic concerns, noting that it became a downside during the weekend night market operations.
“Definitely we are moving towards that direction, to have a permanent night market location,” Mayo said.
Meanwhile, the around 100 vacant stalls on the second floor of the Libertad Public Market will be subjected for bidding.
“We will see if there are people interested in selling there, but for those who are [selling] outside but have a stall inside, then they have to utilize the space awarded to them,” the city administrator added.*
