CALAMBA — Fish vendors facing displacement due to a new railway project in Calamba have been presented with several relocation options, as part of a mediation effort led by the city mayor's office.
According to Philippines News Agency, Mayor Rosseler Rizal has proposed three alternatives for the vendors currently renting space at the privately-owned Calamba Trade Center, which is slated for closure. The vendors can either move to the government-owned Mercado de Calamba with initial fees waived, relocate to the new Morales Trade Center, or remain at the current site until its closure in December. This mediation follows the initial discussions held on Monday, as the city prepares for the implementation of the North-South Commuter Railway project.
The Calamba Trade Center, owned by City Councilor Moises Morales, is being expropriated to facilitate the railway project that aims to connect Clark, Pampanga, to Calamba. Pamuspusan noted that the railway project has been in development for the past two years, and the city has been actively considering the impact on local vendors. The urgency of the mediation was heightened by complaints from the vendors to Senator Raffy Tulfo's office, expressing fears over losing their livelihood.
Additional grievances were raised regarding rent collection practices at the retail establishment, with some vendors alleging that they had been paying rent without receiving proper receipts. "We are willing and ready to listen to the people's pleas. They can be assured of the assistance of this administration," Pamuspusan stated.
On September 6, 2023, a significant step was taken when Mayor Rizal and Department of Transportation Undersecretary for Railways Cesar Chavez signed a memorandum of agreement establishing a Resettlement Action Plan Implementation and Management Committee. This committee is tasked with overseeing the relocation of those displaced by the project, ensuring that the government's plans for vital railway and road projects can proceed.