Modernizing Cebu’s Carbon Market while preserving its cultural heritage

CEBU CITY –Is it possible to modernize Cebu’s historic Carbon Market, yet preserving its cultural heritage? Timeline is December 2026.

This seems to be the question and thoughts of many Cebuanos including those directly affected from the redevelopment of the Carbon Market in Cebu, a massive project aimed to transform the Carbon Market into a world-class marketplace, promoting it as a tourist destination while preserving its cultural heritage.

“The Carbon Redevelopment project is a 50-year joint venture agreement between the Cebu City Government and Megawide Construction Corporation, with CEBU2World (C2W) as the private partner.  We are on schedule for completion of the Carbon Market Main Building by December 2026,” said Louie Ferrer, president, CEBU2World, in an exclusive media briefing   on February 6 at the Puso Village Café.

Ferrer said that guiding principle of the Carbon Market Redevelopment is to ensure that no vendor is left behind.  C2W continues to work closely with the Cebu City Government, particularly through the Office of the City Markets, which oversees vendor matters, listings, and market operations.

All vendor-related processes are undertaken jointly with the City and the project aims to provide vendors with safer, cleaner, and more dignified working conditions, while maintaining market rates consistent with the 2017 Market Code, a city ordinance enacted by the City Council. 

“Rental fees for vendors will remain at P8.50 per square meter until 2028, based on the 2017 Market Code, and all registered regular and ambulant vendors will be accommodated in the new facility.  The project is a joint venture, which means C2W-Megawide serves as the development partner responsible for construction and certain operational components, while Cebu City retains ownership, regulatory authority, and policy oversight,” Ferrer added.

Key features of the modern Carbon Market include a multi-level, mixed-use development with various sections, including food and beverage selections, handicrafts, and other special finds showcasing Cebu's products.  The project includes a transportation hub, a water taxi connecting to Mactan-Cebu International Airport, and a parking facility and also features a waterfront activity plaza, a 24/7 Puso Village, and the Sto. Niño Chapel and Park, Ferrer shared.

CEBU2World Marketing and Corporate Affairs Manager, Jynx Chanjueco presented the progress of the Carbon Market redevelopment project at the media briefing and with vendors in its past and recent consultations, showcasing proposed layouts and facilities using virtual reality (VR) technology.

Chanjueco bared that construction is progressing steadily through the use of precast technology, a modern building method that enables faster, more efficient, and more controlled construction compared to traditional approaches.  This significantly shortens timelines while ensuring consistency, durability, and safety, critical requirements for a major public infrastructure project such as Carbon Market.

He said that the design is rooted in Cebu’s Identity with the architectural design of the Carbon Redevelopment has been carefully developed to reflect Cebuano heritage and identity. Key design elements include: Black accents, referencing carbon or coal, in recognition of the market’s historic roots; and Terracotta tones and façade accents, inspired by materials commonly found in Bahay na Bato and other heritage structures.

“These elements ensure that modernization is not at the expense of character, but instead remains grounded in local history and context,” Chanjueco said.

Controversies, concerns and challenges

Ferrer acknowledged that any project of this caliber always has controversies and challenges in implementation.  For one, some vendors and groups have expressed concerns about the project's impact on their livelihoods and the potential for privatization, while some vendors oppose the project, citing potential privatization and increased fees.

“We have addressed these with series of consultations with the registered, ambulant and all types of vendors at the market and explained to them the project through briefings and detailed presentations and that all vendor concerns are being addressed,” Ferrer told the media.

He said that C2W is committed to relocating vendors to safer, cleaner, and more dignified working conditions.  Construction is ongoing, with some vendors already relocated to interim facilities to date.

The other issue is the legal challenge posed by Vice Mayor Tomas Osmeña who has petitioned the Supreme Court to halt the project, citing alleged financial losses and lack of transparency, which is still pending at the Supreme Court as of this writing.

However, Ferrer is very optimistic and remains committed to the project, citing transparency and lawful agreements.  He cited Mayor Nestor Archival’s stance on the project, saying that his administration is pushing forward with the Carbon Market redevelopment project, despite ongoing controversies and legal challenges.

“My administration is focused on delivering development projects, including the Carbon Market redevelopment, while addressing vendor concerns and navigating legal challenges,” Archival was quoted in one of his press conferences at City Hall.  He said that he’s acting in the best interest of the city and its people, not just vendors and the project will modernize the market and improve vendor conditions, Archival emphasized. (Photos: C2W/MBCNewman/Google Images)