For the first time in its history, the moss-covered meat and fish section of the Legazpi City Public Market has been given a much-needed wash over. Market Administrator Ronald Pasano confirmed that it was the first time such a large-scale cleaning effort had been carried out in the market, leaving many residents and vendors surprised yet relieved.

Some stall owners, who requested anonymity, shared that they had long been calling for the market to be cleaned due to slippery floors and unsanitary conditions. “We’ve raised this issue many times before, but nothing happened. It’s only now that action was taken,” one vendor remarked.

The clean-up, initiated under newly elected Mayor Alfredo Garbin, saw the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) mobilized to assist in removing moss and grime that had accumulated over years of neglect. According to insiders, previous administrations failed to address these concerns despite repeated complaints from both vendors and customers.

In an interview, Mayor Garbin acknowledged the structural issues contributing to the problem. “The current layout of the market, especially with the wet section placed on an elevated floor, makes cleaning a real challenge. Wastewater disposal is inefficient due to small downspouts, which complicates the process for stall owners,” the mayor explained.

Mayor Garbin emphasized that the recent cleaning is just the beginning of broader efforts to rehabilitate the public market. “This is about more than just sanitation—it’s about safety, health, and restoring pride in our city’s marketplace. We’re committed to finding sustainable solutions that will benefit everyone,” he added.

Residents and vendors have welcomed the clean-up as a sign of positive change. Many are hopeful that this initiative marks a new era of responsive leadership under Mayor Garbin’s administration, one that prioritizes the well-being of Legazpeños and addresses long-standing concerns with concrete action.