'One vendor, one stall' policy pushed

While the incoming administration has committed to prioritizing the welfare of Carbon Market vendors, Cebu City Mayor-elect Nestor Archival Sr. said he would begin by addressing internal issues among the vendor organizations— starting with stall owners who control multiple stalls.

- — Iris Hazel Mascardo/FPL

On Thursday, Archival attended the “All Vendors Forum,” where a three-point agenda was presented: the declaration of the Carbon Market as a Cultural Heritage Site, the passage of an ordinance to protect vendors’ livelihoods, and a review of the joint venture agreement (JVA) between the city and Megawide.

Speaking to reporters after the forum, Archival said that while his administration is committed to addressing these concerns, vendor cooperation is essential. This, he said, was especially important after listening to several key issues raised during the event.

One issue involved negotiations that took place even before the JVA with Megawide was finalized. Archival said the lack of unity among vendors at the time hindered progress.

"Naay pipila ka mga vendors nga murag sa pikas grupo, naay ubang grupo nga sa pikas. Ang akong tumong gyud unta atonga magkahiusa sila para makuha nato ang list sa tanang vendors, list gyud sa tanan,” said Archival.

He recalled that the minority bloc in the council, which he currently leads, had pushed for the inclusion of a comprehensive vendor list in the contract’s terms of reference. This, he said, was meant to safeguard vendor interests even amid political transitions.

The list, according to Archival, was supposed to serve as a layer of protection for vendors.