WITH THE success of “Fusion Alley” near UST, Manila Mayor Francisco “Isko” Moreno Domagoso said the local government plans to establish similar street food hubs in various parts of Manila.
Fusion Alley, also known as Ugbo 2.0, is located along I. Delos Reyes street across the University and has become a viral destination because of the diverse food offerings of its concessionaires.
It was inspired by the night market and street food hub of Ugbo Street in Tondo, a model Domagoso hopes to replicate across the city.
“We did it already in Tondo. Now we did it in Sampaloc. Hopefully, we can do it in Malate, where Summer Pride happened, that area, the Remedios Circle. Hopefully, we can do it anywhere in the city, as long as it is initiated by the government,” he said in a chance interview on the sidelines of the Manila Bulletin Sustainability Forum held at the UST Buenaventura Garcia Paredes, O.P. Building last April 30.
The mayor claimed these food hubs have successfully helped street vendors earn substantial income and have even produced “millionaires.”
“So far, for the past eight months now, it [Fusion Alley] created a lot of millionaires. That is literal,” he said.
“Let’s say a cup of water-like or liquid drink, selling 1,000 glasses or units at 20 pesos, at 50 pesos. You know, that’s 50,000 a day; that’s 1.5 million a month.”
Until when?
Domagoso also said that Fusion Alley would remain operational as long as it serves the community.
“So as long as the people like it, we will continue it, but of course it’s, what do you call this, come and go. So, when the time comes that they need to go, they will go,” he said.
“But for now, I’m happy for the students around and the community around, accessing good food but affordable in such a way.”
According to the street vendors, they are required to secure a permit from the local government that allows them to operate on a year-round basis.
Francine Francisco, a business manager of a food stall on the strip, noted that the initiative has provided a vital cushion against rising costs.
“It’s better and more convenient. Of course, as a business manager, [I see that] it has somehow provided additional income for other people, especially for our staff,” she said.
She added that the hub serves as a convenient food bazaar for students and the community, offering a wide variety of affordable options in the midst of riding food prices.
“It is especially helpful for those in need of work, particularly now that the prices of fuel and rice have gone up. That is why Fusion Alley has really been a big help,” Francisco said.
Addressing complaints on the safety and cleanliness of the street, Domagoso emphasized that maintaining the area is a collective effort between the government, the vendors and the public.
“Safety and cleanliness is the job of the city government. At the same manner, it is also a job for everyone. What it needs is a shared responsibility. The locator and the one who is consuming food,” he said.
The mayor gave assurance that the city government conducts daily maintenance operations to keep the hub clean and orderly.
Fusion Alley has boomed in popularity on social media since September last year, when the government set up stalls on the street frequented by Thomasians. Stretching from Padre Noval to Padre Paredes Street, vendors operate from 4 p.m. until midnight.
In December, the Manila City government also opened its “Happy Hour” food park in Malate, which similarly showcases a wide array of food stalls. F – with reports from Mei Lin Weng
