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It is imperative for us to amplify the Carbon Public Market vendors’ call and condemn the illegal actions done by the law enforcement authorities whose demolition activities have only imposed discrimination and injustices towards our vendors.

Below is the text of the joint solidarity statement:

UNITED AND ABANTE'S JOINT SOLIDARITY STATEMENT ON THE CALL TO #DEFENDCARBONPUBLICMARKET

The Union of Nation-builders and Innovators for Transparency, Empowerment, and Development (UNITED) and ABANTE for Technologians stand in solidarity with the vendors, along with other multi-sectoral groups, against the illegal demolition activities and privatization of Carbon Public Market, Cebu’s oldest and largest farmers’ market.

Last July 18, at least 80 stalls near the Freedom Public Park, which is part of the Carbon Public Market were demolished. Despite an ongoing court mediation on this matter, the recent events that have unfolded demonstrates the lack of compassion and little to no regard for the vendors' welfare by our elected officials and the police force. The actions done were not supported by any court order which makes the notice to vacate and the demolitions illegal and unjust, depriving the vendors due process of law and of their livelihood.

As among those who patronize Carbon Public Market for affordable goods and fresh produce, we also express our concern that such privatization will force vendors to pay higher tariffs and rent which will eventually result in higher prices of market goods.

In the spirit of democracy, justice, freedom, and respect for diversity, we call on the Cebu City Government to withdraw its Joint Venture Agreement with Megawide Construction Corporation, Inc. (MCCI) and formulate a new plan where the vendors, consumers and multi-sectoral groups are involved.

Let it be clear – we are not against the modernization of Carbon Public Market but it should not be at the expense of its vendors and consumers. UNITED and ABANTE strongly believe that Carbon should remain as a public market and not under the control of a private entity.

#DefendCarbonPublicMarket
#NoToCarbonMarketPrivatization