Vendors operating at the historic Carbon Market in Cebu City are expressing deep concern over a proposed 300% surge in rental fees for their stalls, set to take effect in 2026 under a new Market Code. Currently paying P8.50 per stall, the fees are expected to skyrocket to P21.00, a move that could severely impact the livelihoods of small-scale sellers who rely on modest daily profits to sustain their families.
Financial Strain on Vendors and Consumers
The tripling of rental costs is anticipated to strain the budgets of these vendors, forcing them to cut back on essential expenses such as food, their children's tuition fees, and other basic necessities. Many fear that this drastic increase, coupled with additional charges like delivery fees for goods, may compel them to cease operations altogether, as the financial burden becomes unsustainable for those struggling to make ends meet.
Rising Prices and Market Transformation
In response to the higher rental fees, vendors may have no choice but to raise the prices of their products, including vegetables, fish, and meat. This could lead to inflationary pressures, affecting consumers who depend on Carbon Market for affordable goods. Historically known as a market for the masses, there is growing apprehension that Carbon Market might transform into a space accessible only to those with substantial capital, undermining its role as a vital public resource for the community.
Criticism from Vendor Representatives
Erwin Goc-ong, the president of the Cebu Market Vendors Multi-purpose Cooperative (Cemvedco), has voiced strong criticism against the new regulations. He argues that the strict operating hours and expensive fees resemble those of a mall rather than a public market, which should cater to the needs of low-income individuals striving to survive day by day. This shift, he warns, could alienate the very people the market was designed to serve, raising questions about the fairness and inclusivity of the updated Market Code.
