Looc Public Market has been recognized as the best in Romblon by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Romblon. This recognition is part of the newly launched Pamilihang Bayan ng Bidang Mamimili (PBBM) program, which aims to honor exemplary public markets across the MIMAROPA region.
The PBBM program, initiated by DTI Oriental Mindoro and now extended to other provinces, evaluates markets based on compliance with trade laws, including providing senior citizen discounts, avoiding non-compliant products, and ensuring proper pricing.
Looc Mayor Lisette Arboleda, along with Councilor Jonathan Gaytano, Public Information Officer Jimwel Soriano, and Market Administrator Oscar Grimares Jr., accepted the award.
DTI Romblon chief Orville Mallorca noted that Looc Public Market, along with other finalists, was judged on specific criteria set by the regional office.
Looc Public Market will now compete for the regional title, with a chance to win P1 million in projects from the DTI.
Romblon representative Eleandro Madrona pledged support for Looc's preparations for the regional competition, emphasizing the importance of local markets in community development.
“If we have a very productive na merkado, magtutulungan talaga tayo niyan sa pagpapaunlad ng ating minamahal na probinsya. Our markets, this are the outlets of the produce that our people are doing,” according to Rep. Madrona.
Additionally, DTI honored three individuals as Bidang Manininda: Emy Ilagan from Odiongan, Doroteo Nepomuceno from Looc, and Rubelyn Montesa from San Agustin.
