QC mulls allowing open-air ‘tiangge’ for Christmas

The local government of Quezon City is considering allowing the resumption of Christmas bazaars and tiangges in a bid to help revive the local economy impacted by the lockdown due to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic.

According to Katrina Son’s report on “24 Oras,” the LGU is currently studying the matter and organizing the guidelines for the reopening.

“Wala pa kaming malinaw na directive du’n eh. Ang nagiging problema kasi, ‘yung social distancing issue. Halimbawa, pinayagan natin tapos 50 percent lang dapat ang activity, ganon ang nangyayari,” retired general Elmo San Diego, Quezon City Department of Public Order and Safety head, said.

“Talagang nagluluwag kami kasi ang direksyon nga ni mayor, ‘yung economic campaign will be as soon as possible tumakbo na,” he added.

However, the bazaars will only be allowed in open spaces.

“‘Pag ‘yung mga nasa aircon, nasa loob ng mga mall, hindi pa pinapayagan ‘yun. Kasi nga magpa-Pasko, eh, baka mamaya magkaroon ng misinterpretation. Kala nila komo Pasko, eh maluwag na tayo. Actually mas mahigpit nga tayo,” San Diego said.

The bazaar's, however, will unlikely be situated inside the QC Memorial Circle.

“Kasi ang naging problema ng Circle ngayon dahil sa dito dinala ‘yung mga may problema sa COVID, kamukha ‘yung mga homeless dito nag stay. 'Yung ating mga doctor, nandyan ‘yung kanilang mga dormitory, dito nag sa-swab test, eh parang hindi gaano pinupuntahan ng tao ngayon ‘yung circle,” engineer Zaldy Dela Rosa said.—Joahna Lei Casilao/LDF, GMA News