Mandaue City vendors return to public market

Mandaue City Mayor Thadeo Jovito “Jonkie” Ouano said that some vendors have already returned to the public market after a portion of its canopy collapsed due to the 6.9-magnitude earthquake.

- Kristin De Dios/LPM

However, rice vendors are currently allowed to sell only outside the market, as risks remain since their stalls are located near in the damaged canopy area.

In an interview, Ouano said that the damaged canopy is expected to be removed by next week.

He said that based on their inspection with the Office of the Building Official (OBO) and the City Engineering Office, the situation inside the market has gradually improved, and several vendors have resumed operations, except in the area where the canopy collapsed.

He shared that he has reached out to the Department of Public Works and Highways-7 to request assistance and check if they have heavy equipment that could help remove the damaged portion of the structure.

The mayor also said that he contacted some of his acquaintances in the construction industry to see if anyone could visit the market and assess the situation.