City plans to convert public markets to mixed-use buildings

QUEZON CITY, Philippines - The ciyt's officials have proposed the conversion of eight city-owned and -operated public markets into mixed-use, medium-rise buildings. Neil Lina, city market development administration department head, said the public markets are in Kamuning, Projects 2 and 4, Roxas, San Jose, Murphy, Galas, and San Francisco del Monte. He said the stalls’ outdated P50 to P70 monthly rental rates per square meter have remained unchanged since 1985, or when the old market code of the defunct Metro Manila Commission was promulgated. Oppose privatization Meanwhile, a delegation from the QC Public Markets Federation said while they support the modernization of market facilities, they will oppose privatization plans for the public markets. City Councilor Ariel E. Inton, Jr. said there is no plan to privatize public markets since the city government is earning from property and business taxes generated by the markets. Quezon City has the highest tax collection in Metro Manila, or over P9 billion last year, public data show. Mr. Inton said the city council supported the public market federation’s concerns. - BusinessWorld