'Payong-payong' is back at the food park

by Felix N. Codilla III

THE infamous payong-payong at the food park is back, this time with a wholesome image. Last Jan. 8,the  Ormoc Food Park Vendors Consumer Cooperative (OFPVENCCO) held a blessing for the “reopening” of the payong-payong area, named as such due to the umbrellas festooned at the tables.

The area was vacated last May because of the huge outstanding balances of beer vendors from their daily rent. The moniker payong-payong also earned a notorious reputation as a red light district. But the place has shed off this unsavory image with the takeover by OFPVENCCO of its operation.

OFPVENCCO Consultant Edwin Codilla said a set of guidelines in the tenants’ contract will assure that the place will maintain its wholesome atmosphere. Under the guidelines, ladies’ drinks and obscene behavior are prohibited. A 2:00 am curfew will also be observed. OFPVENCCO President Pacita T. Martinez assures they can police their own ranks.

The payong-payong also has a new look with 18 stalls that allow vendors to sell foodstuff like burgers, pizza, sizzling steaks, etc. (except barbecue). Asia Brewery Inc. donated tables and umbrellas to the stalls. Each stall is allowed only four tables but exceptions on this rule and on the curfew will be made during special occasions like the fiesta, Tugob festival and holidays.

Each stall is charged P25 a day whether it opens for business or not of which P20 is remitted to the local government unit (LGU) and the P5 goes to OFPVENCCO. The LGU and OFPVENCCO are expected to earn at least P129,600 and P32,400 respectively annually.
(WLWE Jan. 3-9, 2011)