DAVAO CITY – Agdao Public Market has addressed vendor concerns about rent and market expansion, assuring that rent rates have stayed consistent with the Revenue Code of Davao City, with any increases due to building expansion.
Photo source: https://davaocorporate.info/listings/agdao-public-market/
During an interview on Davao City Disaster Radio (DCDR) on Monday, May 20, 2024, market supervisor Gerardo Castillo explained the situation. He stated that while the rent remains aligned with the city’s Revenue Code, slight adjustments were necessary because of the ongoing renovations. “Before transitioning to the new building, all vendors were briefed on the updated rates,” Castillo said.
Castillo also acknowledged the challenge posed by numerous peddlers operating outside the market, noting that they attract customers due to their convenience. He mentioned that the Ancillary Services Unit (ASU), City Transport and Traffic Management Office (CTTMO), and neighboring barangays are actively working to prevent these peddlers from gathering outside the market.
In response to vendors’ concerns about declining income, the 20th City Council approved a petition on April 22, 2024, allowing vendors to consolidate their goods. Additionally, a proposal submitted to the City Economic Enterprise (CEE) permits vendors to sell their goods on the ground floor during specific hours, restricted to awardees only, from 5 a.m. to 8 a.m. and 3 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Castillo highlighted the market’s flexible layout, saying, “If customers buy meat and fish, they naturally look for vegetables next. So now, the variety section on the second floor is allowed to sell vegetables.”
Previously, Ligaya D. Uba, president of the dry goods section, along with other vendors, filed a petition to allow vendors from the variety section to temporarily sell goods in the vegetable and fruit section until the completion of the Agdao Public Market construction.
