Iloilo town market event aims to help local businesses

By Joseph B.A. Marzan

 

Residents of New Lucena, Iloilo can buy gifts from local sellers at the Mercado Local De New Lucena which starts today, Dec. 21, until Dec. 23, at the New Lucena Public Plaza.

Businesses from New Lucena and Iloilo City including makers of pastries, frozen goods, plants, and ready-to-wear dresses will be featured in this three-day event.

The event was organized through the initiative of Floyd Susarno who shared it with Mayor Liecel Mondejar-Seville and other town officials.

The Sangguniang Bayan of New Lucena also passed a resolution supporting the event to encourage local businesses to participate.

Susarno told Daily Guardian that the initiative was inspired by the Mercado events held at the Iloilo Convention Center, as a way to help the town’s local economy amid the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic.

“This was inspired by Mercado 3.0, which was held last Nov. 2020. I told myself I want to do something for my beloved hometown, so I started this with the help of Pots Imperial, who’s a very good friend and experienced man sa mga Mercado events. Pamaagi sini, we hope to help promote sang amon local businesses kag matagaan sila better opportunity to sell their products. At the same time, gusto ko man ma boost ang amon economy at large,” Susarno said.

As to COVID-19 related concerns, Susarno said they will follow the province’s Executive Order No. 183 by imposing a 75-person limit rule at the venue, oblige attendants to wear face masks and face shields at all times, provide alcohol and sanitizers at the venue and booths, and enforce social distancing measures.