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Jynx Chanjueco, Public Affairs and Marketing Manager of Cebu2World Megawide, joins the program to discuss the ongoing Carbon Public Market redevelopment in Cebu City, including project updates and key issues surrounding the development.
Transcript
00:20good afternoon and this is beyond the headlines I'm DJ Moises carbon market is
00:27more than a place where people buy and sell for generations it has been where livelihoods are
00:33built traditions are passed on and the city meets itself but today beyond the headlines of
00:41redevelopment rental rates and modernization are deeper questions who gets consulted who benefits
00:49and how do we modernize without erasing the very people who kept the market alive
00:56previously we heard from Erwin Gokong the representative of the vendors to hear today
01:03we hear the other side of the conversation joining us is Cebutu World Development Incorporated
01:09the developer behind the carbon market project and a subsidiary of Megawide Construction Corporation
01:16with us is its marketing and corporate affairs manager Jinx Chanweko good afternoon Jinx good
01:23afternoon sir DJ and welcome to the show yes and maybe you can greet your friends who are watching
01:28hi hello everyone to all the Sabono friends and to the people of the entire carbon community
01:35Maying hapon yes Maying hapon sir so while we had our conversation before the cameras started rolling
01:45we talked about like you first joined the redevelopment sometime in 2022 yes and then you left and then you
01:52came back yes
01:53so can you tell me or share to me your initial impression when you joined the redevelopment project in 2022
02:02upon joining Cebutu World first thing that I really had to do was to do a research on the developer
02:10with the company
02:11and when I knew that they were Megawide was the people behind the success of Mactan Cebu International Airport and
02:20then when I knew that after Mactan Airport their next project in Cebu is the carbon market redevelopment
02:28I made sure I looked at the plans and then I really got interested because I also studied in downtown
02:39Cebu so the carbon vendors I'm the ones I take my lunch I'm in Freedom Park before
02:46So you mean the university across Freedom Park
02:49Yes the university across Freedom Park
02:50So I spent my entire college life there so carbon is also very close to me so when I knew
02:58that there was a project that develops it I'm very hopeful because I'm pro progress and I believe it's about
03:07time that Cebu also deserves a better infrastructure just like what we had in the airport
03:14So can you briefly explain because I know it's a long story to tell but can you briefly explain what's
03:22the role of Cebu to World Development in the carbon market redevelopment?
03:29The role of Cebu to World Development is we are the private partner
03:34We'd like to clarify that the carbon redevelopment project is not a privatization
03:39It's a joint venture agreement between the Cebu city government and Megawide and with the accession agreement Cebu to World
03:50Development Incorporated
03:52Cebu development or C2W is the operator we will be the one constructing the building developing the building
04:02But the policy oversight the regulatory authority and the ownership of the market remains with the city government
04:10So that's already the start of the clarification on the side of C2W with respect to what the representative of
04:19the vendors said in the previous interview
04:21So let's go back to the motivation
04:24So what was the motivation or what was the intent of Cebu to World to redevelop the market?
04:33I think it comes from a place of in good faith and real care to the vendors
04:41Megawide as a developer, one of our values is really engineering of First World Philippines
04:48When we delivered the airport, we wanted to build an infrastructure that the Filipinos and the Cebuanos can really be
04:59proud of
04:59After that, we've also did several projects in PITX, for example, the Paranaque Inter-Exchange Terminal
05:08It's the first land port terminal, a bus terminal that actually looks like an airport
05:13And now carbon market
05:15So way back before, we've also known carbon not just as a place where we buy the cheapest of goods
05:25But it's all in the news and in the experiences of people where there are incidences of petty crime, sanitation,
05:34very disorganized
05:36Of course, because it's a market, right?
05:40It's our vision to provide a better facility for the market vendors
05:45Not just for the market vendors, but also to the market goers
05:49And a public market that Cebuanos will also be proud of
05:53So I can see that there's the noble intent of Cebu to World to redevelop the market
06:00But this is not the first time, correct me if I'm wrong, that protests were staged
06:07Because of some confusion and maybe fear
06:11So where do you think are the confusion and the fear coming from?
06:16I think it's really a lot of misinformation
06:23And carbon community, particularly in the vendors, is a very complex organization
06:30There are a lot of people involved also on the ground
06:34So I guess it's really more on misinformation
06:38That's why we're more open
06:41We have remained open also for the longest time
06:44We've done a lot of vendor consultations in the past
06:49And up to now, we've also done a number of series
06:54The last one being the February 5 Vendors Assembly
06:58Which was originally designed for regular vendors
07:05Along the categories of fruits, natives, the wet market, and the flowers
07:12And that was when probably one of the protests happened also
07:17Now speaking of protests, we know that Valentine's Day is February 14
07:21But specific to the protests, I think the date in contention was
07:26And I use past tense for a reason, was February 15
07:31Because according to our interview with the representative of the vendors
07:37He said that if we go back and look at the city ordinance
07:42It would say that there would have been an increase in 2025?
07:48In 2023
07:49Oh, 2023
07:50Okay, so that's a good correction
07:52And then supposedly this coming February 15
07:57Is that true?
08:00Definitely it's not
08:01I guess where the
08:03I'm pretty sure that the confusion is coming from
08:08A letter that we actually sent to the LGU
08:12CC
08:12The different department heads
08:15Including the city treasurer
08:16The city legal
08:18The city admin and the office of the city markets
08:21As part of our fulfillment in our contract obligations
08:27Cebuto World is entitled to start collecting market fees
08:31However, since the start of the signing of the JVA until now
08:36Collection remains in the hands or in the scope of the city
08:41Through the office of the city markets
08:43The letter that indicates February 15
08:47And even March 1
08:48Actually was our formal communication
08:51To actually start a conversation between the LGU and Cebuto World
08:57And how are we going to go about the transition
08:59So it's nothing final
09:01That was our effort to actually connect to the concern departments
09:06So we can actually talk and align with each other
09:10So when he said that there was supposedly a price change in the rental in 2025
09:20But you clarified it as 2023
09:22And then supposedly this coming February 15
09:26As part of the Cebu city ordinance
09:29That's not true
09:31Yes, that's not true
09:32So just to clarify the context
09:37Cebuto World does not have the power
09:40To actually increase or implement changes in terms of the rates
09:47That power rests solely in the hands of the city government
09:51Through the passing of a city ordinance with the city council
09:55So currently the ones that the city is actually collecting in terms of market fees
10:02Is based on the 2017 market code
10:05That includes rental fees and all the entrance fees
10:08There is indeed a 2023 market code
10:14Past also by the city council
10:16Where the increase mentioned actually starts at 15 pesos in 2023
10:23In 2024, 18 pesos
10:26And in 2025, 21 pesos
10:31That's per square meter per day
10:33Per the ordinance
10:34Per the ordinance
10:35However, it did not happen
10:36Yes, until now
10:37It's still not being implemented
10:40Right?
10:41So again, on the part of Cebuto World
10:43We don't have any power to increase rates
10:48We are bound by law
10:50And we are to follow what is reflected in the market code
10:54So that means, if I captured it correctly
10:56If there will be future changes in the price
11:00It will have to go through a city ordinance
11:03It's not like Cebuto World will just decide it on your own
11:07Yes, that's part of the joint venture agreement
11:11So we would definitely need to work with the Cebu city government
11:15When it comes to that
11:17And as we all know
11:18Passing city ordinances would also go through
11:21A lot of debates in the city council
11:23Public consultations
11:25And it would also go through a long process
11:28So the other thing also that he said was
11:32The vendors, according to him
11:34Were not necessarily worried
11:38On the February 15, 2026
11:43Because they said if there's no increase
11:45Between now until February 15
11:48Then there's no problem with them
11:51But their worry is what's beyond 2028
11:54Because they said it's just three years
11:57From today going to 2028
11:59But 2028 and beyond, it's 45 years
12:02So can you tell us also
12:05How the 45 years
12:08And where's the 45 years coming from?
12:10And how the 45 years will look like?
12:13So I guess the 45 years is coming from
12:16When the JVA was signed
12:18It's a 50-year joint venture program
12:22Joint venture agreement with the city government
12:24When it comes to our pledge
12:27Because we wanted a smooth transition
12:30From the vendors
12:31And guarantee them
12:32That when they move to the new market
12:35They wouldn't experience increase in rates
12:39So we will follow the 2017 market code
12:42In terms of spaces and entrance fees
12:44We still follow the 2017 market code
12:47That means it's still 8 pesos and 50 cents
12:50Per square meter per day
12:52For the next three years
12:54Beyond 2028
12:56Again, I would repeat
12:57We are bound to follow whatever is in the market code
13:00And it goes through the city council
13:03It goes through the city council
13:03Yes
13:04Sige, now let's go to the other part also
13:08Because we asked him
13:10About the composition of vendors
13:13In the carbon market
13:16And correct me if I'm wrong
13:18From what I gathered from here
13:20A huge majority
13:21Like 1,000 plus
13:24And 3,000 plus
13:27So 1,000 plus
13:29Regular stall owners
13:30And then close to 4,000
13:34Ambulant vendors
13:36The questions at least
13:38From what you gathered
13:39After you met with the vendors
13:41Are coming largely from the
13:43Ambulant vendors?
13:45Or are they also coming from the stall owners?
13:49Especially the protest
13:51We believe that when we
13:53The February 15 was
13:55A vendor assembly for the regular vendors
13:58We had a good number in attendance
14:00At least for the regular stall holders
14:02Meaning these are the ones with business permits
14:05These are the ones
14:06That actually pay their taxes also to the city
14:11In record, based on the official list
14:14From the Office of the City Markets
14:16There are 1,824 regular vendors
14:223,900 plus of that
14:24Would be the Ambulant vendors
14:27So almost times 2, no?
14:28Yes, almost times 2
14:29Because the total list
14:31That we have
14:31Is around 5,777
14:34And then the protest
14:36This is coming from the Ambulant vendors
14:39Or the regular stall owners?
14:40There are
14:41I believe regular stall holders
14:44Because I believe
14:45The person you interviewed previously
14:47Is a regular stall holder
14:50And is currently an occupant
14:53Of the Unit 2 interim building
14:56And of course
14:58Largely the Ambulant vendors
15:01So the reason why
15:03I'm having that impression
15:05That it may have come largely
15:07From the Ambulant vendors
15:09Because number one
15:10They're like times 2
15:12Of the regular vendors
15:13And then number two
15:14The prices also
15:16That's being contested
15:18Is not just the 8.5
15:20But also the Ambulant vendors
15:22Who will eventually be paying
15:25When they move
15:27As regular stall owners
15:29From being just Ambulant vendors
15:31And for the sake of our viewers
15:32When we say Ambulant vendors
15:33Money is the Ambulant vendors
15:35They don't really own a stall
15:39They don't really own a stall
15:39But namaligya silang kamatis
15:41Namaligya silang sibuyas
15:42Yan mo nang ginabutang sa lantay
15:44O nang mga tent
15:45So in short
15:46They're temporary occupants
15:48That are currently being allowed
15:50To operate in carbon
15:52Without necessarily paying
15:54The stall rental
15:56So Karun
15:57Murag
15:58The move is
15:59After the new development
16:03Ibalhin naging sila
16:04From being sidewalk vendors
16:05Into regular stall owners
16:08From an outsider like me
16:10It would look like
16:13That's a good move
16:15Pero why are they pushing back?
16:16I think
16:17Again
16:18Sir DJ
16:19There's a lot of
16:20Misinformation
16:21Going on
16:22Back then
16:24One of the
16:25Misinformation
16:25That we've gathered
16:27Was
16:29Mawagtang na daw
16:30Ang mga regular
16:31Ang mga Ambulant vendors
16:32So they wouldn't have
16:33A space
16:34In the public market
16:36Which is totally untrue
16:37Kaya sila pa mag-itagaag space
16:39Yes
16:39So in fact
16:40We are bound
16:41By
16:42A part of the contract
16:44Is to really house
16:45The total
16:46Vendor list
16:47That is
16:48Given to us
16:49By the office
16:50Of the city markets
16:51So where is this confusion
16:53Coming from?
16:54Apart from
16:55Misinformation
16:56In reality
16:57Once
16:58The
17:00Ambulant vendors
17:01Are moved
17:02Currently
17:03They are
17:03Exposed to
17:05Baha
17:05Especially along
17:07Plaridel area
17:09Along the
17:10Ang kainit
17:11O kaulan
17:12Sa pag-adlaw-adlaw
17:13And
17:14O ang pag-adlaw-adlaw
17:16Pagpanghipos
17:17Nila
17:17Because
17:18Most of the
17:19Ambulant vendors
17:20Sell only at
17:226pm to
17:236am
17:24So after
17:25Ana
17:25Dakpon na na sila
17:27So
17:28They operate in the evening
17:29Yes
17:29A good half of them
17:31Because some of the
17:33Ambulant vendors also
17:34Already have
17:35Semi-permanent stalls
17:37That are along the sidewalks
17:38Of the different streets in Carbon
17:40But
17:41A big chunk of them
17:42Are those
17:43Night market
17:44Or ang kanang nag-gabaligya
17:45Sa gabi
17:46So
17:48With
17:48The
17:49Ambulant vendors
17:50Really in mind
17:51The good thing about the
17:53Development is
17:54Ipasulod na sila
17:56In a better facility
17:57In the market
17:59With definitely
18:01Lower rates
18:02To pay
18:03Because
18:05We stand by that
18:06Pag move sa Ambulant
18:08Mas ubus ang ilahang bayron
18:09That's also
18:11Something that I would like to clarify
18:13Because
18:14In the interview also
18:15With Erwin
18:16He highlighted
18:18That
18:18The rental fees
18:20Are going to hurt
18:22The Ambulant vendors
18:24Because
18:25Sige
18:26So
18:26Karun
18:27I've read from
18:28One of the reports
18:29Of our Sunstar reporter
18:31In which
18:32Cebuto World
18:33Actually outlined
18:35The
18:37Estimated
18:37Cost
18:38That an
18:39Ambulant vendor
18:40Would spend
18:41In a day
18:42So
18:43I'll just go through that
18:44And then I'll ask you about it
18:46For confirmation
18:47So it actually says here
18:48Na
18:49The
18:50Ambulant vendors
18:51And even C. Erwin
18:52Also admitted
18:53Are not really like
18:54Zero cost
18:55As of this time
18:56They are spending
18:57Around
18:58There it is
18:59They are spending
19:00Around
19:00420
19:01No
19:02Which is
19:03Nasa ito ang
19:04Canang screen
19:05So
19:06Canang
19:08Si Erwin
19:08When I asked him
19:10About this one
19:10He said that
19:11The 420
19:12Is just
19:13An imagination
19:14Of Cebuto World
19:16But when I
19:17Confirmed about
19:18The Lantai
19:19The tent
19:19And the tent
19:20Storage
19:21He did say
19:23That
19:24Some
19:25Not all
19:25Ambulant vendors
19:26Are spending
19:27For this
19:28But can you walk
19:29Us through
19:30About this one
19:31Sige
19:32In total transparency
19:34These figures
19:36Are actually
19:36A product
19:37Of our vendor
19:38Consultations
19:39Not imagination
19:40Not imagination
19:41So these actually came
19:42From real
19:43Ambulant vendors
19:44When asked
19:45How much do they
19:46Really pay
19:46In fact
19:50We invite
19:51Probably the media
19:52Or whoever
19:52A regular
19:53To ask
19:54How much does these
19:56Ambulant vendors
19:57Really pay for
19:58One
19:58Indeed
19:59They pay for
20:00Rent
20:01That's 20 pesos
20:03That's the
20:03Arcabala system
20:04So this is the only
20:06A ticket
20:07That actually goes
20:08To the
20:10Funds of the
20:11Cebu City Government
20:12Then there are
20:13Add-ons
20:14For example
20:15Lantay
20:15Ang kanang
20:16Muragbambu
20:17Ang kanang
20:17Bench
20:18Ang butang
20:18Display
20:22So usually
20:2330 pesos
20:24Na siya
20:25Kung manginang lang
20:26Kag additional
20:27Kaya nag letter L
20:28Kang orientation
20:29Then you'll need more
20:31For the tent
20:32If you don't have a tent
20:34You'll rent a tent
20:35If you have
20:36But since
20:37Ang uban manggod
20:38Sa mga
20:38Ambulant vendors
20:39Na to
20:41Musaka o bukid
20:41So hassle
20:42Sa ilaha magbitbit
20:43So they are to pay
20:44Storage fee also for that
20:46And then
20:47Timbangan
20:48Ang ilang weighing scale
20:50On top of that
20:51They also pay for utilities
20:54Water
20:55Usually by the bucket
20:56Mana sila
20:57Depending on
20:58The vendor
21:00Electricity
21:02Apart from the electricity
21:03Before they would even get light
21:05Nga makakuha sila
21:07Kanang linya
21:08Sa kuryente
21:09They would also need to pay
21:11For
21:11Bulb
21:13So per bulb
21:14Naana sila
21:15Ginabayaran
21:15Per day
21:16Per day
21:17Yes
21:17And then of course
21:19Waste collection
21:20So mga kamenero
21:21Kanang mga
21:22Ilang
21:23Ginasuhulan
21:24Sa
21:25Kanang mga
21:25Magtabang
21:26O pagpanglimpyo
21:27O pagsegregate
21:28Sa itong mga
21:30Basura
21:30There are also reported cases
21:32Of incidental fees
21:33These are actually
21:33Voluntary fees
21:34Depending on the case
21:36Such as insurance
21:37Or let's say
21:39Lawyer fees
21:39For the vendors
21:41And on top of that
21:43Additional fees
21:44Daily fees
21:45For barangay
21:47Ermita
21:48Which is 20
21:49Depending on the space
21:50That may increase also
21:52And
21:53From their kapunungans
21:54Their respective vendor organizations
21:57So
21:58For a total estimate
21:59That's usually around
22:00400 to 420
22:02That varies
22:03Depending on
22:04The vendor type
22:05Yeah
22:08That's why we're claiming
22:10That
22:11The truth of the matter is
22:12Once these vendor
22:13Ambulant vendors
22:14Would already move in
22:15To the new public market
22:17They would just pay
22:18At least 90 pesos
22:19That's far far way lower
22:21Than what they currently have
22:23Number one
22:24They would
22:24They are still to pay
22:25The same
22:26Our cabala system
22:27When it comes to
22:28Lantay
22:29Tent
22:29And storage
22:30They wouldn't need already
22:32Because
22:33They already have
22:34A roof
22:35And they already have
22:36A space provided
22:37No
22:38We'd also like to
22:39Reiterate
22:40A claim
22:41Before that
22:42We will be requiring
22:43The ambulant vendors
22:45To
22:45Have their own
22:47Stainless steel tables
22:49That's also not true
22:50Yes
22:51That's also not true
22:52Because
22:53It's actually
22:54The space is actually
22:55Already provided
22:56Their display area
22:57Is actually provided
22:58For timbangan
22:59They wouldn't have to rent
23:00Because they can already
23:02Place their own
23:02Right?
23:03And in terms of utilities
23:05The greatest difference
23:06Would be
23:07Our utilities
23:08As seen in the current
23:10Unit 2
23:11Or the interim market
23:12Are actually metered
23:13Meaning
23:14They wouldn't have to pay
23:15Daily juice
23:17Of let's say
23:1720, 30
23:18Or 50 pesos
23:19Per day
23:20They would only pay
23:21For their actual consumption
23:23Sige
23:24So
23:24Katong rates
23:25That you showed
23:26Earlier ba?
23:27And then you mentioned
23:29That the only one
23:30That's being collected
23:31By Cebu City government
23:32Is the 20
23:34Katong Arkabala
23:35So
23:36If the vendors
23:38Are actually paying
23:39The ambulant vendors
23:41Are actually paying
23:42The add-ons
23:43Who collects
23:45The
23:46The
23:48Lantay rent
23:49Who collects that?
23:50Who provides that?
23:51Who collects that?
23:52The
23:53Tent rate
23:54Who provides that?
23:55Who collects that?
23:56According to
23:58The vendor consultations
23:59That we've gathered
24:01There are various
24:03Groups
24:04That are actually collecting
24:05And it varies
24:06There are actually
24:07Lantay operators
24:08Whose business
24:10Are really
24:10They
24:11Create the Lantay
24:13And then
24:14They rent it out
24:14So
24:15And then clarification
24:16Are these
24:17Registered vendors
24:18Who is
24:19Registered providers
24:21Of Lantay
24:22And registered providers
24:23Of Tent
24:24Who are actually
24:25Issuing official receipts?
24:26Or they're also
24:27Ambulant
24:30Providers
24:31And collectors
24:32I think that's
24:33Something that I cannot
24:34Confirm
24:35But
24:36Definitely
24:37There are no
24:38Receipts
24:39For this
24:40So
24:40Ia-ia-ia
24:42But apart from the
24:44Operators
24:45Some of
24:46There are actually
24:4752
24:48Vendor
24:49Organizations
24:50In Carbon
24:51Who provide for these
24:52Add-ons
24:53Yes
24:53And collects the rent
24:55Yes, collects the rent
24:56And also
24:57Some of them actually have
24:59The tents also
25:01So
25:02So not just operators
25:03But some of these
25:05Ambulant
25:06Vendor organizations
25:07Are the ones also
25:08Renting out
25:09These to their constituents
25:11And the context
25:12Why I asked that question
25:13Do you think that's also
25:15One of the reasons that
25:17People are pushing back
25:19Not necessarily the
25:21Ambulant vendors like
25:22Ako rag yun na na
25:23Maligya og kamatis
25:24But the pushback could also
25:26Come from other
25:27Ambulant vendors
25:28Who provide for my
25:30Lantay
25:30Who provide for my
25:33Timbangan
25:34Who provide for my
25:35Bulb everyday
25:36Because once
25:37It will be formalized
25:39I will lose my income
25:41No?
25:42Kung ako ang provider
25:43So ang ending
25:44The way I see it
25:46Murag na siya
25:46Chained
25:47Murag
25:48There's Cebu City government
25:49Who collects
25:50There's an ambulant
25:52Ordinary ambulant vendor
25:54Katong luoy yun kaayo
25:55Nagihikan in town
25:56Sa bukid na maligya
25:57Og kamatis
25:58But na po yung mga
25:59Ambulant vendors nga
26:00Nang warta
26:01Let's call it that way
26:02Na lang for the add-ons
26:03Do you think the pushback
26:04Is also coming from this?
26:07There's a strong possibility
26:09But again in Cebuto world
26:11We remain open
26:12That's why we conduct
26:14Regular dialogues
26:15And consultations
26:16So
26:17While we respect
26:19The
26:19Rights of others
26:21To protest
26:22And express their dissent
26:24In Cebuto world
26:25We remain open
26:26For a dialogue
26:28With these
26:30Respective organizations
26:31And people involved
26:34And see
26:35How can we actually work together
26:37Anyway
26:38If we are indeed true
26:40To our claim
26:42That we are for
26:43The vendors
26:45Then we should all be
26:46There shouldn't be a problem
26:48Because if they fight for the vendors
26:51We remain true that our
26:52We are only for the benefit of the vendors
26:55Muna sa mga
26:56Ambulant vendors
26:57Nga mga naminaw
26:59Karun
27:00Atong huna-hunan po
27:01Siguro
27:02Kung pilagin atong ginabayran
27:03Karun
27:04Anyway
27:04Karun
27:05Among dipakita
27:06Ang mga rents
27:07O ang mga bayron nun
27:08Kung pilain yung mabayran
27:10Ang puhon
27:10In public
27:12By the time na pagbalihin
27:15Kung di li magani mao ang matuman
27:17You can always
27:18Call us out on this
27:20No
27:21We're just making it
27:23Public
27:23So that
27:24Aware
27:25Ang tanan na
27:25This is the reality
27:27On the ground
27:28And
27:28Correct me
27:29If I'm wrong
27:30I think
27:31This will benefit
27:33For example
27:33Kung ako
27:34Tagabukid ko
27:35And then
27:35Mulugsong lang ko sa Cebu
27:36Kay mamaligya ko
27:37O kamatis
27:38No
27:39And that's all I have
27:40It will benefit me
27:42Diba?
27:43Because
27:43Gabayad biya kong at least 420 everyday
27:46And then if you move to the stall
27:48This is just about 90 only
27:49It benefits me
27:50But I think
27:52Correct me if I'm wrong
27:53Ang problema na sa collector of add-ons
27:57Because
27:57We're talking about
27:59Close to 4,000
28:01Ambulant vendors
28:02Pilan ni kalantay
28:03Everyday
28:04Nga akong ginacollect
28:06No?
28:07Pilan ni katent
28:09Rental fee
28:09For close to 4,000 people that I collect everyday
28:12I think naad din hi ang problema
28:14Why people are pushing back
28:17Kay kung ako ordinaryo kong maninindang kamatis
28:20My goodness
28:20This is like 422 to 90 pesos
28:25But kung ako nagpa renta ko o lantay
28:29It is a big impact
28:30Kung ako nagpa renta kong tent
28:33It is a big impact
28:35Do you think that's really where the pushback is coming from?
28:40That's very difficult to answer, sir DJ
28:44But yes, there are a lot of different
28:47Okay, this is 50 pesos times 3,900
28:50Every day
28:51Daily, yes
28:52This is huge business
28:55So as again, I've mentioned
28:57Carbon is very complex in terms of its organizations
29:03Not just a vendor but a community itself
29:06So there's business in whatever form in Carbon
29:10So we wouldn't be surprised that if the pushback also comes
29:15Probably from people who may have other vested interests
29:20Or whose businesses or personal businesses would also be affected
29:25Sige, now let's go for the happier path na
29:29Sige, we have a question from one of our reporters
29:33Earl Padronia
29:34He's actually asking
29:35Can you also walk us through on the timeline of the project?
29:39Because the main building is set to be finished on December 2026
29:44So can you walk us through on that detail?
29:48Yes, so we are on track on delivering the Carbon main public market building
29:53This building will first house our flowers, natives, the wet market
30:01And the fruits section, no?
30:07And then when we are actually arranging the area
30:14When we did consultations when it comes to the floor plan and the list
30:18So we really coordinate with the office of the city markets
30:23To make sure na, even the vendors
30:26To make sure na they are located in a place in the sectioning
30:30Na proper sectioning in the market
30:33That is set to be delivered in 2026
30:37That's December this year
30:39This is the, I hope they will show it on screen
30:41Yes
30:41This is the common facade that we see, no?
30:44This brick and then carbon on top of it
30:47Is this the one?
30:49Yes, sir, definitely
30:50That's the one fronting
30:53Freedom Park
30:55And USJR
30:56That's where the first
30:58Yes, that's where the first
31:01The face of the modernization, no?
31:04The first installation, the first building that Megawide will be constructing
31:07And this is going to be done December 2026
31:10We will deliver by December 2026
31:13And the regular vendors and ambulant vendors
31:18Who belong in the four categories that I've mentioned earlier
31:21Will first occupy these stalls
31:24Sige, and then another question from Earl
31:26How about the remaining building for wet market
31:29And the renovation of the interim market?
31:32Maybe you can explain to our viewers what's the interim market
31:35Yes, so a part of our concession agreement is really to make sure that
31:40There is no displacement in vendors, no?
31:44So we implement in coordination with the Cebu City Government
31:48We implement no relocation, no movement policy
31:52That's why Unit 2 or interim market used to be
31:57It was an abandoned building for quite some time
32:02Mga vendors na maligya-ragin na sila sa gawas
32:05So Megawide first retrofitted the building to be an interim market or a temporary facility
32:13So that's why when Freedom Park and Warwick Barracks vendors
32:19Were moved to that facility to make way for the construction of this new building
32:25So right now, your flowers, natives, even calendarias, and dry goods
32:31Are at the Unit 2 or the carbon market interim building
32:36Speaking of Unit 1 and Unit 3
32:39So the wet market where currently Unit 1 is
32:43Of course they're scheduled to move in December to the new market
32:47So that means that the Unit 1 building will already be empty, right?
32:55Unit 3, where the fruit vendors are
32:58Currently will also be moving to the new building
33:03Unit 3 right now is actually an old and dilapidated building
33:07By the way, there's a map on the screen so you can point, no?
33:13Unit 3, the ones labeled B5 is currently where your fruit vendors are
33:19So they will be moved to B2
33:21Or the new main public market building
33:24So that means during the development
33:27After December 2026
33:30Your B3 and B5 are currently
33:34That's Unit 1 and Unit 3 will be empty
33:37Okay?
33:38Because we've already provided them a new place in the new market
33:42Unit 1 and Unit 3 are old and dilapidated buildings already
33:47Unit 3, in fact, the second floor of Unit 3 right now
33:53It's already been off-limits as storage area for the fruits
33:57So once, every time there's a car, the structural integrity of the building is already compromised
34:06That's why we're actually rushing the construction also
34:11So after the delivery of the main public market building this 2026 of December
34:19Which is mark B2
34:20Yes
34:21B3 and B4 buildings after going through the right permits and compliance
34:29Will be demolished
34:31And we will build a new set of building to accommodate that
34:36B3 will eventually be the house or the hub of all the vegetable vendors
34:42Before, or the current carbon market interim building
34:46The flowers move the new building
34:49So there's flowers and natives move the new building
34:52So it's empty already
34:53So it will again house again the vendors that will be affected by the construction
35:02So it will still function as an interim facility
35:06But eventually, it will also be renovated to house our dry goods and carrenderya
35:13The dry goods would include your rice and corn, your groceries,
35:17Kato'ng mga mamaligyag mga kaldero, mga ukay, uguban pa
35:21And of course, B5, we know that in downtown Cebu, there's really a big problem in terms of
35:29Public transportation and parking
35:33So B5 or currently Unit 3 will already be your parking and transportation terminal
35:41I'm glad, at least personally as a person, as a human being
35:45That there's going to be a parking place, parking spot also
35:50To encourage market goers like me to actually go to Carbon
35:54Very good, very good
35:55Sige, so there's another question actually coming from Earl
35:59But this is I think a clarification on what we talked about
36:02Diba nagstorya man ta nga ang mga current stall owners
36:05Of course, they're paying the 8.5
36:07But the ambulant vendors, they are not paying the 8.5 per square meter per day
36:14They are rather paying the 420, a lot of them
36:17So ang question to Earl actually is, for this year then, 2026
36:22Would Cebu to World start collecting market rental rates across?
36:26So meaning, regular stall owners and ambulant vendors?
36:31Based on the GVA and as part of our obligations to the contract
36:39Supposedly, we are all ready to collect
36:42But again, with the letter that we've addressed to the LGU
36:46That would still go through in close coordination with the different department offices of the LGU
36:54Namely, the city treasurer, the city legal, the city admin, and the office of the city markets
36:59And subject also for the passing of an ordinance
37:04That I cannot, I'm not sure of because currently, in terms of rates, the 2023 market code is already passed
37:12Should it need any revision, then that would go through the council again
37:17Okay, so this means then that, at least of course, the regular stall owners, but for the ambulant vendors
37:26There could be, depending on how the decision will be
37:31They will be paying also, that fees will be collected from them
37:37Yes, and we retain that the fees that will be collected to them would still be the same
37:42The ARCABALA, 20 pesos
37:44I think that's a good clarification
37:46Okay, okay, I'll summarize it then
37:48So you're saying actually that for the ambulant vendors, it's possible, depending on how the process will be
37:54That fees will be collected this year, but it will just stick to the ARCABALA, which is 20 pesos
38:00So they're going to be the same, right?
38:02Yes, so definitely, there wouldn't be changes in the collection rates
38:10So probably, just to clarify also, the only ones that would be directly affected and would benefit with a new
38:19building
38:20Are still with the first four categories
38:22So if you are an ambulant or a regular vendor that belongs to the flowers, natives, wet market, and fruits
38:30Then you are the first ones to move
38:33Again, for the other categories, dry goods and vegetables
38:37We would have to wait until their building is completed
38:42Before any movement, a physical movement would actually happen
38:47I think I'm getting your point, correct me if I'm wrong
38:48So what you're saying actually is, as is where is
38:51And then whatever they're paying, it's the same
38:54But once they move to the December 2026 building, that's when the change would take place
39:00Yes, lower rates for ambulant vendors and the same 2017 market code, 8 pesos and 50 centavos per square meter
39:10per day for the regular vendors
39:11Until 2028
39:12Yes, that's correct
39:13I'm getting the point now
39:14Now another question also from Earl is, vendors argued that a provision of the joint venture agreement that the city
39:23government will be penalized
39:24If they cannot adjust its rate based on Megawide's recommendation
39:30Is there truth to this or not?
39:33It's part of the contract
39:36The penalized, we would have to provide the actual clause, no?
39:42But right now, we follow whatever is in the market code
39:48So far, the city council have passed the 2023 market code
39:52Right now, we're just waiting for the actual coordination with the Cebu city government concern department agencies on how to
40:02move forward
40:02But again, we are open as a company, as said, even when we are to follow supposedly the market code,
40:09the 2023 market code, we won't push through without proper coordination with the LGU
40:14We are open and we still remain with the 2017 market code
40:18So, now I'm also, and correct me if I'm wrong if I'm understanding it correctly
40:24At the end of the day, because you kept on referring to the market code, at the end of the
40:29day, the pricing will go through the process, will go through the city ordinance, and it's aligned to the market
40:38code
40:38Yes, so in the end, the city still resides
40:41So no pricing outside that, no?
40:43Yes, so in the end, the city still resides
40:45We cannot impose any other rates that's not provided by law
40:49We will only follow what is in the market code
40:51I'll test that with the question of our, so granting
40:54Mm-hmm
40:56Granting the market price already in 2030
41:00Mm-hmm
41:00No, it's already, on the market code is still not viable
41:09Megawide would still go through the usual process
41:12Yes
41:13Okay, and not necessarily saying this could have been the price that we wanted because it's already 2035
41:19No, but you're still pricing it this way because of the market code or because of what the city council
41:28decides on
41:29No penalties around that conversation
41:32Yes, DJ, because again, when we reiterate, the market code is absolute because it's a law
41:40And in the end, again, the city would decide
41:43Mm-hmm
41:44So that becomes like the official source of what the market price per square meter per day per stall will
41:53be based on
41:54Yes, including the entrance fees
41:56So it's not on a whim, no?
41:58Yes
41:58Okay
41:58And again, we would like to reiterate that with Cebuto World and Megawide, we don't have the power to increase
42:07or change any of the rates
42:10It rests in the power of the LGU through the city council
42:14So the city would decide for the rates
42:17By the way, how big is the development?
42:19I know nga, maybe you don't have down to the last square meters, no?
42:23Yeah
42:23But how big is, at least estimate lang
42:25I think the total development that includes the part where Puso Village is, the tourism zone
42:32is a total 7.6 or 7.8 hectare property
42:38But the public market area would most likely be at least half of that, around 3 or 3.5 hectares
42:45You mentioned Puso Village, but because I also wanted to go there, although, I'm not going to go there
42:51Okay, but there was a time because there are shops or coffee shops
42:57And I like heritage, locations, and I would have wanted to go there
43:03But how does, how was it? Because there was a time I noticed that it was closed for a long
43:09time
43:09And then now it's open
43:10So how did that also open?
43:13What was the limitations in the past? Because I could see that the facade is already closed
43:16And it was just sitting there for a long time
43:18And then finally it's open
43:20As a developer, the lot was actually turned over to us
43:24But there became a legal battle between the Cebu City Government and the Cebu Ports Authority
43:32That actually stopped the opening, no?
43:35But that has already been fixed
43:38And we are, as a developer, what's important to us is we operate
43:42And right now, Puso Village is already a place that we can invite our visitors
43:50And probably for the Cebuanos to enjoy
43:54So is it leased, Karon?
43:57Yes, it's a leased property
44:00The area is actually leased with the Cebu Ports Authority
44:04Okay, and what about the question of the Vice Mayor?
44:09It's a disadvantageous to the city
44:12Where do you think it's coming from?
44:17I respect the opinion and the pronouncements of the Vice Mayor
44:22But to me, as an individual, personally also
44:26I believe that the city would actually benefit in the end
44:32Because in terms of rates, they still control what the rates would be
44:36And we all know, when it comes to developments, it's difficult to probably secure budgets
44:44And do infrastructure on an LGU level, no?
44:49So here comes Megawide from the success of the airport
44:53We're actually bringing in as part of the items in the concession agreement
45:00In the joint venture agreement, Megawide is actually investing $8 billion in terms of infrastructure contribution
45:07At no cost to the city
45:10Okay, and then on top of that, we also provide a $50 million annual guaranteed payment to the city
45:20When it comes to that
45:21It was mentioned by the mayor that carbon already earns around $58 million
45:32But of course, that includes the other markets, no?
45:38We have Ramos, Pardo, public markets
45:42But how much really is carbon earning?
45:44But again, on top of that, we wouldn't have a developer who would be constructing an $8.5 billion
45:52But more than that, in terms of benefits
45:55The commercial and business taxes that all of the new businesses would be opening
46:01For example, before Puso Village was just an empty parking lot
46:06Yeah
46:06But now, there are over at least 100 new SMAs, medium and small enterprises
46:13Who have already filed their business permits and are already also filing taxes to the city
46:19So all in all, tourism potential, better infrastructure, tax revenues
46:27All in all, the city and the entire Cebuanos would benefit from this project
46:33So, which actually is a good one
46:37So, because we're already on the last part of the interview
46:42I'll go back to the first one, which is what made Cebu to World Development interested in the development
46:50But you also brought up a good point about the $8.5 billion investment at no cost to the city
46:56That's $8 billion
46:57$8.5 billion, right?
46:59Yes, $8 billion
47:00Oh, $8 billion at no cost to the city
47:02Yes, at no cost to the city
47:04Okay, so what is ROI then for Cebu to World and Megawide?
47:09It's on the part of the public market
47:12The vendors really asked for the most prime location
47:17That's the lowest floors
47:20So we're giving part of the building is the lower and upper ground floors
47:25The second floor and the upper floors is where we would earn as a business
47:32So that's where commercial would come in
47:35So it's actually like
47:36For example, Puso Village is a best example of commercial rates
47:41So that's where we earn
47:43In the public market, we wouldn't really earn
47:46But as a developer, the higher floors is where we can generate more income
47:53And this is for like entrepreneurs who are not public market vendors
48:00Yes, these are also entrepreneurs
48:02I think that's where the confusion also is coming from
48:04There are also entrepreneurs or businesses that would not directly compete with the vendors
48:12Correct, like coffee shops
48:13Yes, like
48:15So coffee shops
48:16Coffee shops, probably banks, services, courier services
48:23Pera padala
48:27And the likes
48:29But not directly competing with the vendors
48:33Because there are also false claims
48:36I'm beginning to get it now, continue
48:38There are false claims also that Megawide would build a supermarket there
48:43Right?
48:44So this is clear
48:45There is no supermarket or grocery
48:47There is no mega wide in that area
48:50Because in supermarkets, we all know
48:53Dili man takapalit
48:54O ganang pinotos na ketchup
48:56Pinotos na toyo
48:58O tag 5G's
48:59Or paminta
49:00Or flour
49:02Or baking powder
49:04Naka plastic na ginagmay
49:07That's the beauty of carbon
49:10Because minudo makapalit ka
49:11And there are a lot of vendors also
49:14That belongs to that category
49:16So of course, we would also protect that
49:18Ambulant vendors also, most likely
49:19Yes, so they would be protected when it comes to that
49:22Okay, so down to my
49:25Last two questions
49:27So now, before we close this conversation
49:31What specific
49:32And this is tying all this together
49:34What specific commitments can you make today
49:38To improve transparency, you know
49:41Between Cebuto World
49:42Slash Megawide
49:43And also the vendors
49:46Particularly the
49:48Ambulant vendors
49:49Who happens to be the majority
49:51From the onset
49:53We have always been transparent
49:56So we remain to be transparent
49:59When asked
50:00All of the
50:02Documents are all public
50:04When asked for dialogues
50:05We have always
50:06A remain to be open
50:07So for those
50:09All of the vendors
50:10If you
50:11We are to schedule
50:13Several consultations pa
50:15Should you want
50:18A consultation for
50:20Your select groups only
50:21Or for your respective
50:22Vendor organizations
50:23Whether or not
50:25You oppose the project
50:26Or support the project
50:27We are very much open
50:28And we definitely want
50:31To give time
50:33To let you understand
50:35Our side also
50:36So we invite everyone
50:38To also have an open mind
50:39When we say that vendors
50:43It would be more for the benefit
50:45Of the vendors
50:46With better infrastructure
50:47That's a commitment
50:49The commitment
50:50On no increase of fees
50:52That's also a commitment
50:54And to be continuously
50:57Transparent to all
50:58At the end of the day
50:59While in carbon
51:02The vendors
51:04Are the heart and soul
51:06Of the market
51:06Lower prices would still define
51:09Carbon as carbon
51:10But in the end
51:12Carbon is not just
51:13For the vendors
51:14But also for
51:16The market goers
51:17For our visitors
51:19And for all of Cebu
51:20So let's hope
51:23For a development
51:25That would actually benefit
51:26All
51:27I think I would have wanted
51:29To ask you about
51:30Your commitment also
51:31To the market goers
51:33But you've also covered that
51:34That this is a development
51:35For all
51:36The vendors
51:37And also the market goers
51:39So thank you Jinx
51:40For joining us today
51:43Thank you so much
51:44And also for making time
51:46To help us better
51:48Understand what the redevelopment
51:50Is about
51:51So today we've heard
51:53The developers perspective
51:54On the carbon market redevelopment
51:57At Beyond the Headlines
51:58Our role is not to take sides
52:00But to look at issues
52:02From different angles
52:03We will continue to listen
52:05To ask questions
52:06And to follow this story
52:08Because development matters
52:10But so do the people
52:12It affects
52:13I'm DJ Moises
52:14And this has been
52:16Beyond the Headlines
52:45We'll see you next time
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