PUERTO PRINCESA CITY, Palawan (PIA)–The Bataraza municipality is recognized as the Most Consumer-Friendly Public Market in Palawan and is set to represent the province in the regional Pamilihang Bayan ng Bidang Mamimili (PBBM) award this October.
Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Palawan Provincial Director Hazel Salvador said that the active involvement of the local government units means many of them offer excellent services to the public.
DTI launched the competition to identify the most consumer-friendly public markets, as these are believed to be representatives of the town’s local economy.
“Kasi mas marami ang sasali, ibig sabihin, mas marami ang mga local government, pamilihang bayan na nag-o-offer ng good service sa ating mamamayan. So win-win, lahat po tayo ay panalo,” she said.
The winner in October for the region-wide competition will take home P1 million worth of shared facilities.
Mayor Abraham Ibba said that the goal of the town leads to having a public market that honors their tradition and supports the community’s livelihood.
Bataraza pushes to strengthen the enhancement of community engagement and innovation in ways to benefit residents.
‘’This award is a testament to our effective collaboration, innovative practices, and unwavering dedication to uphold the values that our Pamilihan Bayan represents,’’ he said.
Ibba added that even in the absence of the DTI’s competition, the improvement of the public market is one of the long-term plans of the municipal government as a response to the increasing population in Bataraza.
The selection of winners underwent a thorough assessment by the Provincial Evaluation Committee (PEC).
Under the fruits and vegetables category, Gee Sari-Sari Store of Bataraza ranked first, followed by John Brix Fruits and Vegetables of Roxas, and Nick Vegetable Store in Narra.
Gien Vellamil Meat Shop of Bataraza took first place in the meat shops category, followed by Camba Meat Stall of Roxas in second place and M.B. Meat Shop in Narra in third place.
The Bataraza also won the same rank for the dry goods and sundry category through Ugat Bigasan and Agri Supply, while Quipquip Variety Store of Roxas ranked second, and Sha N Bern Rice Retailing of Narra for third place.
Provincial Director Virgilio Tagle of the Department of the Interior and Local Government Palawan said that Section 17 of the local government code identifies and enumerates the basic services and facilities necessary to become self-reliant and exercise functions vested in them.
The public markets will provide a means of livelihood and serve as a basis for the development of a local government unit.
“Ang pampublikong pambilihan o public market ay mahalagang economic enterprise and public utility na may malaking contributions sa kita at pangkalahatang kapakanan ng mga lungsod at munisipalidad,” he said.
Meanwhile, aside from recognizing public markets, DTI also awarded the Gold Bagwis Award to private establishments, Savers Appliances Palawan and Robinsons Appliances Corporation. (RG/PIA MIMAROPA-Palawan)
