The Malimgas Public Market in Dagupan City is having a difficult time convincing vendors to rent stalls as vendors prefer to set up outside due to accessibility issues. 

The 20 stalls inside the market that remain vacant, as of this writing, are reportedly difficult to access. Both the dry goods and wet sections are unoccupied.

“’Yung location hindi kasi accessible sa tao, pero umaasa pa rin tayo na makapag-rent sila doon,” Raymond Arafiles, Supervisor of Malimgas Public Market, said.

Rental ranges from P68 to P498 per day, depending on the size and location of the stall.

Some vendors said they prefer setting up as ambulant vendors outside the market because of the low foot traffic inside.

“Dito nalang kami [sa labas], mas okey pa kahit mainit, konting tiis nalang,” Olivia Cordero, a vendor, said.

The management of Malimgas Public Market said they continue to monitor the needs of the vendors at the market. The public, meanwhile, is reminded to help maintain cleanliness and follow market regulations.