Despite the fire that destroyed the Old San Carlos City Public Market in Pangasinan, some vendors have chosen to sell their goods on the market’s periphery, hoping to recover even a small part of their income.

Rubelyn De Guzman, a vegetable vendor, said while profits are low, staying nearby helps her break even, at least.

"Mahina po [ang kitaan namin ngayon]," she said.

Fruit vendors face similar struggles. One long-time fruit seller, with over 20 years at the market, remains loyal to the spot where she built a steady customer base.

"Konti-konti, meron ding [kita]... maliit lang, hindi kagaya dati, basta mayroong konti, okay na lang basta makabayad lang sa mga utang," she said.

The local government reports that over two months after the fire on August 22, 2024, cleanup efforts are still ongoing, as of this writing.

Authorities have provided financial assistance to affected vendors, with plans to distribute additional aid before the year ends.

Temporary stalls were also set up at the New Public Market for vendors who lost their spots to the fire.

"We are still looking at all of the angles kung ano pa po ang pinakamagandang gawin diyan sa nasunog," Jhuliano Nazareno, Secretary to the Mayor, said.