BONTOC, Mountain Province (PIA)--The Bontoc Market Vendor's Association (BOMARVA) members and other vendors in the municipality  have now a new place to showcase their products.

The newly rehabilitated municipal market was blessed and  inaugurated on March 5. The facility has 82 stalls that include 45 fruit and vegetable stalls, 18 food stalls, and 19 dry goods shops.

DILG-Mountain Province Provincial Director Evelyn B. Trinidad  emphasized that the   inauguration of the market is not just a  celebration  of a physical structure, but more importantly, a celebration of the spirit of enterprise and innovation,  of resilience and tenacity of community and local officials, and the promise of what lies ahead—a future filled with opportunity, prosperity, and a deep sense of belonging .

She reminded vendors to maintain the cleanliness of the market and treat it as their own home.

“Let us not forget that with great opportunity comes great responsibility. We must take care of this building that houses the lifeblood of our economy, and the heart and soul of our community, “ she  said.  

Trinidad also  advised  the community to make the market a source of joy, inspiration and prosperity.

Mayor Jerome B. Tudlong, Jr. emphasized that the  new public market is  a result of the collaborative efforts of the government and the community. It is more than just a physical space, but a symbol of commitment to progress and prosperity.

The  BOMARVA expressed gratitude for the improvement of the public market,  and appealed to the officials to patronize the products being sold by members of the organization, and to advertise the same.

 “Lomako kayu isna market. I-advertise tako ay waday nan market, ischi nan entako lumakwan.”

[Buy here in the market. Let us advertise that we have a market and this is where we should buy]

Tudlong bared that the rehabilitation of the second building of the public market will soon commence, as initial funding is already secured. He also assured vendors affected by the second rehabilitation that they will maintain their stalls.(JDP/VJLT-PIA Mt. Province)