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Public market continues to be subsidized in 2017
The Garapan Public Market will continue to be supported by the CNMI government in the coming year, according to Gov. Ralph DLG Torres.
When asked if the CNMI government will continue to subsidize some of the expenses of the Garapan Public Market, Torres replied: “Yes. I want to give opportunity for the [market] to continue the program.
The Garapan Public Market was forced to shut down in the wake of Typhoon Soudelor in August 2015.
Since its reopening last April 2016, the market has been attracting customers as well as farmers, to conduct business with the market, which is why Torres is so keen on continuing to support of the market.
“So far, it is working well,” said Torres. “We’ve had some challenges, but we need to continue this and not give up on our farmers.”
Torres said that that Commonwealth farmers should be working together instead of competing with one another to promote agriculture on Saipan.
“Each organization has its own goals. At the end of the day, I support all farmers. I support the Sabalu market, I support the Garapan Public Market. I hope that some day we can join them together because in unity we are a lot stronger,” said Torres.
Torres even contributes some of his own produce, but only when the market is short on supplies.
CNMI Farmers Cooperative Association director Ramon B. Camacho calls for unity among farmers.
“2017 is exciting. I ask each and every one of you to be hardworking and produce so that our people can patronize the market. Let’s continue to work together as a team, regardless of who you are or where you are from, the market is the answer,” said Camacho.
