BONTOC, Mountain Province – Marking a milestone in community development, the Bontoc Municipal Public Market was officially opened on March 5, 2024, ushering in a new era of secure and vibrant shopping experiences for residents and visitors alike.
According to Municipal Local Government Operations Officer Lourdes Claire Peel, the “Rehabilitation of the Public Market” project originated due to safety concerns arising from the building being declared unsafe by the Post-Disaster Needs Assessment (PDNA) team in the aftermath of the 7.0-magnitude earthquake that struck Northern Luzon on July 27, 2022.
Meanwhile, Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) Provincial Director Evelyn Trinidad, who represented Regional Director Araceli San Jose, commended the collaborative effort of the government and the community that has culminated in this significant achievement.
“Today, we celebrate more than just the physical structure before us. We celebrate the spirit of enterprise and innovation that has driven us to this point. We celebrate the resilience and tenacity of our community, our local officials for the completion of this project. And most importantly, we celebrate the promise of what lies ahead—a future filled with opportunity, prosperity, and a deep sense of belonging for all of us who call this place home,” Trinidad added.
Engineer II Edmarie Agnes Kitongan of the Municipal Engineering Office, a total of 82 stalls to include 45 fruit and vegetable stalls, 18 food stalls, and 19 dry goods shops are set to cater to consumers from the municipality as well as its neighboring provinces.
Meanwhile, Mayor Jerome “Chagsen” Tudlong, Jr., in his message highlighted the market’s significance as a central hub for economic activity, fostering local entrepreneurship, and enhancing the overall shopping experience for residents and visitors alike.
“The inauguration of the Bontoc Public Market is a testament to the dedication and partnership of our local government and the community. This infrastructure is more than just a physical space but a symbol of our commitment to progress and prosperity,” he added.
Tudlong added that this initiative forms part of his administration’s roadmap “𝑬𝑵𝑳𝑨𝑵𝑮𝑨𝑲𝑯𝑨: 𝑨𝒄𝒉𝒊𝒆𝒗𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝑽𝒊𝒔𝒊𝒐𝒏 𝒇𝒐𝒓 𝒂 𝑫𝒚𝒏𝒂𝒎𝒊𝒄 𝑩𝒐𝒏𝒕𝒐𝒄,” under the pillar, Economic Empowerment.
Also in attendance during the said event were Vice Mayor Eusebio Kabluyen, Sangguniang Bayan Member Viola Okko, Municipal Administrator Eric Fulangen, Sr., Poblacion Punong Barangay Atty. Florence Taguiba, Bontoc Market Vendors Association (BOMARVA) members, Bontoc Local Government Unit (LGU) personnel, and community members.
The ₱50-million project was funded through the 2022 Local Government Support Fund-Financial Assistance to LGU (LGSF-FALGU) of the DILG. By Christy Mae F. Pangesfan