The city government will temporarily shelve its planned construction of a food hub in Balayong People’s Park after the Sangguniang Panlungsod advanced an ordinance that would move its ₱45,253,599 budget to the project work for additional stalls and an auxiliary building at the new City Public Market on the Baywalk.
City Administrator Atty. Arnel Pedrosa said the food hub will not proceed for now but remains possible once the city’s funding and priorities align.
“May posibilidad pa rin na matuloy,” he said.
The rechanneling request was endorsed by the City Architect’s Office through Pedrosa, citing the need to ensure that all vendors from the old public market will have space in the new facility.
During the session on Monday, Councilor Modesto “Jonjie” Rodriguez II explained that to accommodate most vendors from the old public market, the realignment of funds is needed for the construction of additional stalls on the second floor of the new public market at the Baywalk.
Rodriguez said the City Architect’s Office determined that addressing the shortage of stalls must take precedence over the food hub, which had been programmed under the city’s 2025 development funds.
He added that even if the money is not enough for the full scope of work, the City Architect assured the council that the project can still move forward.
“Bagamat kulang… ay magagawa naman po ng paraan na ma-squeeze yung pondo,” he said.
The ordinance passed second reading without objection and is set for third and final reading in the next regular session.
Councilor Victor Oliveros, chair of the Committee on Market, Slaughterhouse and Other Economic Enterprise, said the decision responds to long-standing concerns raised by vendors. He noted that the team has been working closely with market stakeholders.
“Natuwa naman po ang ating mga kasama sa palengke… dahil kasama po natin silang ini-inspection ito palagian po at palagi po natin silang kausap,” he said.
Oliveros added that the expansion will also support the wholesale area and the auxiliary services used by coconut vendors, handicraft makers and porters.
He said the City Architect’s Office assured them that it would find a way to ensure people and their goods can move through the area.
