A privately-owned Satellite Market in Kidapawan City has been shut down for failing to secure a franchise to operate from the city government. The Squaremart satellite market in Barangay Poblacion is home to more than 20 stall vendors.
The local government in Kidapawan City has shut down the Squaremart satellite market for operating without a franchise. The city government had issued notice of violations to the owner of Squaremart for failure to secure a franchise from the city council.
In addition to the closure of Squaremart, 28 stalls in the city’s main market were also closed down due to the owners’ failure to renew their business permits.
The city government passed an ordinance regulating the operation of satellite markets this year to address the proliferation of “talipapas” near the central district. Satellite markets can be found in Barangay Poblacion, Magsaysay, Sudapin, and Singao.
While some stall owners pay monthly rentals to private operators, some satellite markets operate without a franchise but continue to collect monthly rentals from stall occupants. Stall owners in satellite markets are required to secure business permits from the city government before operating.
Mayor Jose Paolo Evangelista expressed his disappointment with the stall owners’ failure to comply with the requirements. He emphasized the need for equal treatment among vendors and pointed out that if others can comply, there is no reason why the non-compliant vendors cannot as well.
The mayor made it clear that he was not sparing anyone, not even his relative whose satellite market was closed down for failing to secure a franchise. He stated that securing a franchise is non-negotiable and urged all private owners of satellite markets to do so to avoid any inconvenience.
Although the closure of Squaremart has affected the stall owners, the mayor extended an offer to use some allocated spaces at the Bagsakan in Magsaysay and to participate in the Merkado Kidapaweño, a Saturday market in front of city hall. He recognized the need for the vendors to survive and offered this as a way to support them.
In conclusion, the satellite market in Kidapawan City has been shut down for operating without a franchise. The city government is enforcing regulations to ensure all satellite markets comply with the necessary requirements to operate. Stall owners are urged to secure their franchises to avoid any disruption to their businesses.
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