The city government of Manila, under Mayor Joseph “Erap” Estrada, has completed the P48.29-million renovation of the Dagonoy Public Market in San Andres Bukid.
The refurbished market, located along Florentino Street (formerly Dagonoy), is the sixth city-run market to undergo major repairs under Estrada’s market rehabilitation program.
“We are proud to report that the old Dagonoy Market has been renovated, repaired, and beautified for the convenience and safety of the vendors and market-goers. Many more will follow,” Estrada said.
“When we say ‘palengke’, we would always think it is a dirty and smelly place, but not anymore here in Manila. Our newly renovated public markets would be like shopping malls and big private supermarkets. We don’t want a dirty and smelly one,” he added.
With sole funding from the city government, the Office of the City Engineer had the entire Dagonoy Market repainted, power and water lines were replaced, and the drainage system improved, according to Engr. Henry Alcantara.
The building’s dilapidated and leaking roof was also replaced with new steel trusses and galvanized iron sheets, while new tiles were put on the floor, especially the main isle.
Alcantara said all the rolling doors of the 4,685-square meter building were also replaced with new ones. At the wet and dry sections, the market’s 456 stalls were repaired with new tiles.
“The two toilets inside were also renovated. We replaced the old toilet bowls and put in new faucets, which could be hardly used before,” the engineer said, adding it was the first major renovation done at Dagonoy Market in recent years.
Moreover, the sidewalk and road pavement near Dagonoy Market were also repaired, while a new culvert pipe was also installed to improve its drainage system, Alcantara said.
The pedestrian walkways around the market, particularly along Florentino, Crisolita, and Onyx streets, have also been covered with canopies, he added.
Jovita Lacson, the market master of Dagonoy, said this was the first time the market was renovated since it was constructed in 2005. She said the stall owners were elated the market’s facilities were finally renovated and improved.
Sandy Araneta
“Before, when it was raining, roofs leaked, and gutters were blocked. Their livelihoods were badly affected,” said Lacson.
Since last year, Estrada has embarked on a concerted effort to repair the city’s old and neglected public markets to make it comparable to classy privately-owned supermarkets and shopping malls.
Four public markets – the Sta. Ana Market in the city’s sixth District, the San Andres Market in Leveriza, Malate, the Pamilihang Bayan ng Sampaloc at Legarda corner Bustillos Streets, and Trabajo Market in Marzan Streets, also in Sampaloc area — have been converted to mall-like supermarkets with a total cost of P738 million.
The city government is also set to reopen the soon-to-be completed Quinta Public Market in Quiapo, which is undergoing a full renovation complete with a modernized fish port, all costing P90 million.
All these renovated public markets have modern facades, elegant public restrooms, air-conditioned common areas, food courts, clean wet and dry sections, efficient waste management facilities, fire protection, CCTVs, and even free Wi-Fi connections.