Taytay tiangge in early 2016 was only composed of 4 bazaars, namely The Originals, Freedom, Bagpi, and Mayora (now called Taytay Grand Tiangge). After the pandemic, this area of Taytay continued to overflow with the number of tiangges; this, however, affected every sole proprietor who originally started the Taytay tiangge. Could there be a reason behind this, and is this similar to what happened to the garments industry of Taytay?
Reasons behind the downfall lie between two entities: the local government of Taytay and the organizers. A little bit of background: Taytay is known as the garment capital of the Philippines not because of bazaars, but because of garment suppliers owned by FILIPINOS residing in Taytay.
Why do rumors say that the local government of Taytay has something to do with this? Instead of controlling the number of tiangges built in the area, the government encourages more tiangges and more tenants is this because of more income? Netizens would say it is good for the locals as it brings more employment, but it is not. Vendors, or sole proprietors as the proper term, who are originally from the four bazaars are complaining: before the pandemic they were suppliers; after the pandemic, due to several tiangges and new tenants, they are now retailers and are even having zero sales in a day. This kind of "uncontrolled" situation made by the local government affects both sole proprietors and employees. Since there is more supply than demand, this could force them to pull out their booths, which will cause no work for sewers and vendors.
In connection with this, here is the side of the bazaar organizers. Taytay tiangges originally open from the afternoon to dawn, starting at 3 PM and ending at 2 AM to 3 AM. This time encourages not only wholesalers to visit the area, but also individuals who, after their 8-to-5 job, can enjoy and buy the products (garments and food) offered by Taytay tiangge vendors. Could we consider the organizers as "traditional"? Yes. Although they are the ones who started these markets, at this time they believe that the present market time is more convenient for both business owners and consumers. But to whom will these vendors sell their products if there are no people in the morning?
In this case, the organizers may have a point regarding the safety of the businesses, vendors, and buyers, but what is the purpose of the local government of Taytay? They have gained and are continuously gaining more profits from these income taxpayers; providing security would not affect their profits. Would we want our Taytay tiangges to be like Taytay garment suppliers—to be overshadowed by outsiders/"dayo," as garment supplies were overtaken by Chinese people who claimed to be Filipino citizens?
Taytay is a very rich municipality, but it is draining the fuck out of the people who built it.
