Just like the Phoenix, the new Tagbilaran’s Cogon market will be rising from the ashes of the old one as the local government unit (LGU) has started the construction of the public market.
City Mayor John Geesnell Yap II was with Punong Barangay Nick Besas, Kagawad Grace Melgar, Local Economics and Investments Promotions Office (LEIPO) Bebiano Inting, Market Administrator Perdinio Besa Jr, and City Engineer Teodoro Estoque during the groundbreaking and capsule laying ceremony for the construction of the new edifice.
The first phase of the project has a budget of P30 million, from the allocation of Sen. Christopher “Bong” Go, while the City Government will finance the second phase which also amounts to P30 million.
The structural frame and basement parking will be the major facilities that will be built in the first phase of construction. In an interview, Estoque said that the equipment needed for the construction is now mobilized in the area.
Estoque said that since the excavation for the new market commenced last Saturday, a temporary location was provided for all the vendors and carenderia stall owners affected by the project.
Mayor Yap also emphasized during the groundbreaking ceremony that the design of the building which would be undertaken during the second phase will utilize elements to ensure safety amid the Covid pandemic,
“As we slowly reopen our economy in the wake of the pandemic, we will make sure that our facilities will incorporate building design and systems that can help control the spread of the disease. Ventilation will be a priority, physical distancing solutions like the use of acrylic shields and no-contact handles will be used. Handwashing stations will also be installed. All these safety measures will be considered to prevent infection and loss of productivity”, Yap said.