The Quezon City government, in preparation for the new normal, said on Monday that local residents can purchase fresh produce from the private and public markets online to further maintain social distancing amid the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic.
Launched on May 11, the city government said “Community Mart’’ is an e-market project initiated by the Office of 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 the local markets should be ready to adapt to changes on how they conduct business under the “new normal” after the enhanced community quarantine (ECQ).
“We are optimistic that Community Mart will serve as a 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 an additional or alternative source of income,” said Yap. (Chito Chavez)