Eco-market to be set up in Sta. Fe
By Bernadette Parco
Cebu Daily News
First Posted 14:26:00 05/13/2008
CEBU CITY, Philippines - The construction of a wet market aimed at promoting sustainable livelihood program for fisher folks and environmental preservation awareness is expected to start soon in Sta. Fe town on Bantayan Island in Cebu province, an environmental activist said Monday
"It is a small piece of property that will be used to trigger socio-ecological change," said environmental lawyer Tony Oposa.
The market is located about eight kilometers from the School of the SEAs (Sea and Earth Advocates) in Barangay (village) Okoy, Sta. Fe town on Bantayan Island, northern Cebu.
The inauguration rite was held on May 2. The event was attended by Puerto Princesa Mayor Edward Hagedorn, Oposa and assistant Ombudsman Mark Jalandoni.
"The people are assured of the quality of the goods that would be sold here. The fish sold here would not be taken illegally and the vendors would see to it that these are the right size," he added.
Oposa, head of the Law of Nature Foundation (LNF), said the cost would be a bit expensive but environmental advocacy through the project would go a long way.
Through the "eco-market," fishes sold to consumers can now be regulated. Undersized fishes and those caught illegally will not be allowed.
Oposa said that by denying fishermen, who practice illegal fishing, a market to sell their goods, they will be compelled to abide by the law.
Market vendors should practice organic farming and not use artificial fertilizers and pesticides.
"Those who would like to buy will pick the vegetables themselves and pay for them in the stalls," he said.
"We also teach the people to plant vegetables by telling them it is not difficult to plant," Oposa added.
The eco-market will not allow the use of plastic bags. Baskets made of indigenous materials would be made available to the customers and used as containers for the goods they purchase at the market.
The market stall vendors would be trained by NLF at the School of the SEAs also on Bantayan Island.
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