CITY OF SAN FERNANDO – Resilient – having survived a world war, rebellion, typhoons, earthquakes, floods, fires, a volcanic eruption, political in-fighting. Indeed, withstanding the test of time itself in its continuous operation since 1909, the recently rehabilitated Old Public Market was inaugurated Monday, the feast day of the city’s eponymous patron saint.
“Ang ating palengke ay nakaranas na ng iba’t ibang kalamidad katulad ng bagyo, lindol, at sunog. Sa kabila nito, sa pananatili nito sa Poblacion Area, nagtuloy-tuloy ang kalakalan at naging matatag ang palengke,” So highlighted Mayor Edwin “EdSa” Santiago of the market’s resilience.
Now called the City of San Fernando Market Plaza, the over-a-hectare facility in the downtown area comprises two main buildings – West Wing and East Wing.
According to city engineer Anele David the market plaza will have over 500 12-square meter market stalls, a park, dining area, spacious vehicle parking space, activity area, and comfort rooms.
Considered as one of the major infrastructure developments in the city, David said the project addresses issues hounding the market, such as space and readiness to withstand typhoons, flooding, earthquake, and even pandemic threats.
The city government, together with its partner firm RC Ramos Construction Corp. and consultants, made sure the materials used for the buildings were of high standards, she added.
Following the inauguration, the city engineer’s office and city market operations division will work on the transfer of vendors from their temporary relocation sites to the new market plaza.
David said they are targeting to gradually transfer the vendors two weeks after the inauguration.
“Sa bagong mukha ng palengke ay paniguradong palalakasin niya ang lokal na ekonomiya at ang lokal na turismo natin. Hindi natin tinaasan ang buwis ng mga nagtitinda dito habang inaasahan nating mas magiging malaki ang kanilang kita. Ito ay hindi lamang natin handog sa kanila, kundi sa lahat ng Fernandinos at Kapampangan,” Santiago ended.
Also joining in the inauguration rites were top district and government officials, representatives from the private sectors, and partners from the construction firm.
San Fernando Archbishop Florentino Lavarias led the blessing of the plaza.
