As the July 15, 2024 permit expiry nears, ‘baratilyo’ vendors in Dagupan City are asking the local government to allow them to operate longer so they can recover their investment. 

"Ang usapan kasi [hanggang] July 15 [lang], pero kung mae-extend hanggang katapusan – pero sinasabi[-sabi lang], hindi ko naman alam [kung] hanggang katapusan – sana [nga], para makabawi naman kami ng kaunti," Salome Querol, a stall vendor, said.

"Mahaba-haba para masulit naman yung bayad," Marilou Romero, another stall vendor, added.

The vendors said their income has been affected by the low foot traffic, especially that their stalls are situated in the upper floor at the Malimgas Public Market.

"Malaking epekto sa amin, siyempre kami may mga pamilya. Tapos, ‘yung benta namin mahina kasi andiyan ‘yung mga tao, andiyan sila sa baba lahat. Kung mayroon kaming customer talagang [dapat] i-entertain mo sila," Arlene Cayabyab, another vendor, said.

NO EXTENSION

According to the Dagupan City Market Division, stall operations are set to end on July 15, 2024 with no plans of an extension, so far. 

In fact, the initial permission was for the vendors to operate only for two months. The local government then extended it to three months. 

"Usually, ang operasyon ng baratilyo is two months lang, ngayon ginawang three months," Judy Narvasa, Officer-in-Charge at the Dagupan City Market Division, said.

Luz Afan, a shopper, said she prefers the stalls because it is inconvenient to travel far for supplies.

"It takes time kasi kapag malayo kapang pupunta [sa taas], dito malapit kaya," she said.