Surigao City opens accessible, modern public market in Barangay San Juan
By Susil D. Ragas
SURIGAO CITY, Surigao del Norte (PIA) — Residents of Barangay San Juan and nearby communities no longer need to travel downtown to buy fresh, everyday goods as the city government opened the new San Juan Public Market in Purok 4, marking a major step toward decentralizing commercial trade in Surigao City.
On Oct. 3, Vice Mayor Alfonso Casurra led the ceremonial opening and ribbon-cutting for the market, along with Punong Barangay Soledito S. Monteros and members of the Sangguniang Panlungsod, community leaders, and local vendors.
During the ceremony, Vice Mayor Casurra emphasised the city administration’s commitment to delivering accessible public services and creating equitable economic opportunities across all barangays. “The establishment of the San Juan Public Market directly aligns with Surigao City’s policy to decentralise public markets across outer barangays.”
Located strategically in Purok 4, the modern facility features 40 fully occupied stalls offering a variety of local goods, including fresh fish, vegetables, meats, and dry goods.
“The 40 stalls provided a reliable revenue platform for micro-vendors, giving small agribusinesses and fishmongers direct access to neighbourhood buyers.” Vice Mayor Casurra said.
He also added that the new market gives local micro-vendors a clean, permanent space to operate while making essential items accessible right within the neighbourhood.
The barangay officials also highlighted the core benefits of this new public market, such as bringing commercial centres closer to residential zones, in which the city aims to reduce daily commuter volume and vehicle congestion heading toward the central market, and families living in Barangay San Juan and neighbouring areas can now save both time and fare, buying fresh produce right in their home community.
For her part, Nanay Flora, a resident of the barangay, shared that for a long time, many in the community looked forward to having a modern, clean, and accessible space where local vendors could thrive, and residents could easily buy fresh and affordable necessities.
“The new market not only makes buying fish, vegetables and other agricultural products far more convenient for families like ours, but it also gives our homegrown vendors and small business owners the dignified, reliable platform they deserve to support their livelihoods,” she said.
The opening of San Juan Public Market is part of the city government’s efforts, under the leadership of Mayor Paul Dumlao, to provide projects and facilities that deliver closer, easier, and more practical services to every community in the city.
With vendors officially set up and serving customers, the San Juan Public Market is expected to become a bustling hub of commerce and community activity. This vibrant marketplace will provide residents with fresh, affordable daily essentials while empowering local merchants and farmers to showcase their products.
Beyond driving economic growth, the modernized facility serves as a clean, organised, and welcoming public space that strengthens neighbourhood ties and uplifts the city’s overall commercial landscape. (SDR, PIA Surigao del Norte with a report from Surigao City-PIO)