Descriptive Essay : Dulag Marketplace

Dulag is a municipality composed of 45 barangays and a dense

population of approximately 50, 000. Based on these figures, it is

apparent that the town is a large community with accumulating needs.

Fortunately, it has a public market that suffices just exactly as what

Dulagnons need not only as consumers but also as sellers.

As a relatively big town itself, Dulag has a public market that

occupies a whole block. Most public markets here in the Philippines,

especially in rural areas, are located at the center of town which makes

it a favourable area for lots of businesses. Just like the traditional

Spanish set up, Dulag public market is surrounded by a school, a

church, the plaza and the municipal hall. As a result, the market is easily

accessible to residents with the help of public transit like the habal-

habal (single motorcycle), pot-pot (modified bicycle with a side-car),

and tricycles.
 Before becoming modernized as it is at present, the Dulag public

market has suffered several unfortunate events which temporarily

stopped some businesses. These are instances like getting caught by

fires or being devastated by typhoons. Ironically, these disasters have

made a way for the market to be structurally modernized. Catastrophic

events does not only cause a temporary loss for consumers but more

importantly, a loss of capital and profit for sellers and these impact the

economy of the whole town. To prevent this, the local government of

Dulag formulated ways to fashion the market to be resilient in case of

calamities. From the traditional by-the-road trades, the public market

also has new buildings now that are better places for vendors.

The public market is also a manifestation of the geography and

people of Dulag. The outskirts of town are mostly wide farmlands so it

is not surprising that a lot of Dulagnons depend on farming for

livelihood. Every Thursday is a big day for these people. This is the so-

called tabu day where vendors from different parts of the province
gather to sell their goods. Of course, Dulagnons also participate in this.

This is where they sell their freshly harvested root crops, vegetables

and some fruits. Sidewalks are often stuffed with vendors and buyers

who wish to purchase their products at the lowest price. The roads are

also made vibrant by carts loaded with various spices. Moreover, Dulag

is a coastal town facing the Pacific Ocean hence the considerable

amount of fisher folks in town. The wet market is often jam-packed

with buyers seeking to purchase fresh from the net fishes. Aside from

all of these, other commodities are also being sold like kitchen wares,

second-hand clothes or our infamous ukay-ukay, toys, traditional

Waray delicacies, etc.

To keep up with the accumulating needs of the people, the Dulag

public market has evolved in a way that accommodated these needs.

Pharmacies and dental clinics have been established to support health

care. A relatively huge department store has also been constructed for

varying needs. In addition, pastry shops, bakeries and eateries have

constantly aided hungry stomachs from shopping and pasalubong

needs. Needless to say, farmers and fishers have been depending on

agricultural stores of the public market. Finally, boutiques, gift shops,

electronic shops, internet cafes, motor parts stores are among the

other businesses that have been opened to aid Dulagnons and

neighbouring communities.

The Dulag public market is a vital part of every Dulagnon’s life. It

does not only allow access to goods and services. More importantly, it

honors the historical legacy of the town and highlights the values and

local culture of the community where it is found. It brings together the

members of the community, local businessmen and visitors to

recognize and celebrate the role of these public spaces and their roles

in creating a foundation of values for the community.

By: Marichi Mazo Mullon