The City Government of Puerto Princesa extended assistance to 131 stall occupants/ business-owners affected by last week’s fire in the city’s old market, the mayor said recently.
Mayor Lucilo R. Bayron informed that the city government immediately facilitated the release of funds intended for the assistance to fire victims: P10,000 was released to stall owners whose stalls were totally damaged while P5,000 for stall owners with partially damaged stalls.
“Sa kabuuan, umaabot sa 131 na negosyante ang naapektuhan sa Old Public Market habang nakatanggap din ng ₱10,000 ang 4 na may-ari ng sasakyang nasunog,” he said.
Last Saturday, January 31, Mayor Bayron called a meeting with affected old public stall occupants in Barangay Hall of Barangay Tagumpay. The mayor was accompanied by heads of the different offices of the city government including the city disaster risk reduction and management, public market, among others. One of the concerns raised by fire victims is their temporary place where they engage in their respective trades.
Mayor Bayron said that he wanted to hear the concerns of the fire victims themselves to ensure that their needs are prioritized and properly addressed to.
“Ang naunang ipinagkaloob na pinansyal na ayuda kahapon, Enero 30, 2026, ay nagsilbing unang hakbang sa kanilang pagbangon, na ayon sa mga negosyante ay malaking ginhawa sa gitna ng kanilang sitwasyon. Nagkaroon din ng pagkakataon ang mga vendor na magtanong at magpahayag ng pasasalamat sa mabilis na pagtugon ng pamahalaan,” the mayor said. “Mas mahalaga na maramdaman ng mga mamamayan na may pamahalaang handang makinig, umunawa, at kumilos kasama nila sa oras ng pangangailangan,” he added.
Public Market manager, Engr. Irene Lagrada explained that they have allocated an open space at the Old Market Complex intended for the affected vendors in the fruits, vegetable, grains and groceries section. Those fire victims whose products are general merchandise, dry goods and handicrafts will be relocated temporarily to the old market’s second floor. The repair shops on the other hand will be transferred to building 5.
“Sa kasalukuyan ay isinasagawa na ang pagsukat ng mga pwesto at matapos nito ay maaari nang magsimulang mag-ayos ng kani-kanilang tindahan ang mga vendor,” the mayor said.
Mayor Bayron likewise announced that the city government will release additional funds as assistance to the fire victims. This will be sourced from the CDRRMO and City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO).
