QC PR
In preparation for the “new normal” amid the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, the Quezon City government has adopted an initiative where residents can get fresh produce from the nearest public or private markets via online.
The Quezon City government will launch today, May 11, Community Mart, an e-market project initiated by the Office of the Vice President Leni Robredo, where local residents can buy produce from nearby markets through a mobile application.
Mona Celine Yap, head of the city’s Small Business and Cooperatives Development Promotions Office (SBCDPO), said local markets should be ready to adapt to changes on how they conduct business under the “new normal” in case the enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) is lifted after May 15.
“We are optimistic that Community Mart will serve as springboard for our businesses to climb to a higher level via the digital world. Its business principles will help enterprises become innovative to compete and maintain customers, and will keep the local economy dynamic,” said Yap.
Mayor Joy Belmonte welcomed the innovation, saying it provides residents and vendors an easier and safer way to transact.
”This is also a win-win situation, as local vendors will be able to continuously make a living while giving customers access to fresh produce from the comfort and safety of their homes,” Belmonte pointed out.
For the project, Yap said the local government also tapped tricycle operators and drivers associations (TODAs) to deliver orders from markets to the respective households.
“In the foreseeable future and following new guidelines after ECQ, daily earnings of tricycle drivers and operators may decline. Community Mart gives them an opportunity to earn additional or alternative source of income,” said Yap.
Community Mart will be launched at the Kamuning Market, which will receive orders from nearby barangays Obrero, South Triangle, Kamuning, Mariana, Sacred Heart, and Laging Handa.
