ZAMBOANGA CITY: Stall monthly rentals in Plaza del Pilar, along Pettit Barracks, this city, is now at half the price, after the City Council amended the ordinance of their present rates.
In 2010, makeshift candle stalls constructed around the Fort Pilar Shrine were demolished paving the way for their transfer to their designated stalls in the Plaza.
Aside from the candle vendors, a "Pasalubong Center" is present where some stall vendors sell native delicacies and also native products from this city and other parts of the Philippines.
Councilor Vincent Paul Elago said he fully supports the reduction in the monthly rental of the various stalls in the government-owned facility to help businessmen deal with their meager income.
At the same time, the city government will award spaces to new stall occupants who will occupy spaces vacated by old traders who claim that rental is high and that they are not earning any profit in the area.
Few months ago, City Administrator Antonio Orendain Jr. has declared that some of the stall holders at the Plaza informed him they are leaving their respective stall spaces due to low revenue income since it was opened four years ago.
One newspaper then has given opinion that the amount of rental is said to be a highly guarded secret revealed only to those who want to rent space in the area.
Elago said based from the present ordinance, stalls are rented at a cost between P3,500 to 7,000 depending on its sizes.
Elago added he saw the candle vendors strapped for cash since they are only selling candles, religious artifacts and other religious books and novenas.
Almost all of them complained that they can hardly meet their monthly rentals due to few customers patronizing their products, Elago revealed.
The Plaza is located across the Fort Pilar Shrine and Fort Pilar National Museum.
The place has become a hangout for students from adjacent schools because of the presence of eateries and comforting shade from the huge acacia trees.
In 2010, makeshift candle stalls constructed around the Fort Pilar Shrine were demolished paving the way for their transfer to their designated stalls in the Plaza.
Aside from the candle vendors, a "Pasalubong Center" is present where some stall vendors sell native delicacies and also native products from this city and other parts of the Philippines.
Councilor Vincent Paul Elago said he fully supports the reduction in the monthly rental of the various stalls in the government-owned facility to help businessmen deal with their meager income.
At the same time, the city government will award spaces to new stall occupants who will occupy spaces vacated by old traders who claim that rental is high and that they are not earning any profit in the area.
Few months ago, City Administrator Antonio Orendain Jr. has declared that some of the stall holders at the Plaza informed him they are leaving their respective stall spaces due to low revenue income since it was opened four years ago.
One newspaper then has given opinion that the amount of rental is said to be a highly guarded secret revealed only to those who want to rent space in the area.
Elago said based from the present ordinance, stalls are rented at a cost between P3,500 to 7,000 depending on its sizes.
Elago added he saw the candle vendors strapped for cash since they are only selling candles, religious artifacts and other religious books and novenas.
Almost all of them complained that they can hardly meet their monthly rentals due to few customers patronizing their products, Elago revealed.
The Plaza is located across the Fort Pilar Shrine and Fort Pilar National Museum.
The place has become a hangout for students from adjacent schools because of the presence of eateries and comforting shade from the huge acacia trees.