City gov’t mulls reviving downtown night market

ILOILO City – Mayor Jose Espinosa III mulls reviving the night market downtown.

Other cities have night markets, said Espinosa.

In 2006 during the administration of then mayor Jerry Treñas (now congressman), one was opened on Muelle Loney Street, City Proper up to corner Yulo Street. This stretch of the road was closed to traffic from 6 p.m. until 11 p.m.

Street vendors from six areas – Quezon-Mabini Street, Valeria Street, General Luna Street (St. Paul’s Hospital Iloilo area), Arroyo Street, Arsenal Street, and Freedom Grandstand area – were relocated to the night market area.

These vendors were made to pay nightly P20 per kiosk, as well as fees for the comfort room, lights, security and maintenance.

But the night market was not sustained. Some vendors complained of poor sales and returned to where they used to do business.

Most of the participating vendors then were operators of carinderias (eateries).

This time, said Espinosa, “We want our night market to be an evening destination.”

The night market could be set up from Iznart Street to Aldequer Street in the old business district, he said.

“There will be areas for vending, for entertainment and for dining,” said Espinosa.

The mayor noted that Iznart and Aldequer streets are already “dead” by 8 p.m.

These streets must be well-lighted, he added.

“Like what we did sa mga plazas naton, kita mo damo na nagalagaw-lagaw kay ginpatahum ta kag ginpasanag. Gusto ta nga magtahom pa gid ang syudad ta,” said Espinosa./PN