BUTUAN CITY — Butuan’s evenings were once known for being quiet, but that has changed. On May 2, 2026, the Butuan United Sustainable Livelihood Program Association (BUSLPA) officially opened a night market along Narra Road in Barangay Limaha. Supported by a PHP900,000 grant from the Department of Social Welfare and Development’s Sustainable Livelihood Program, around 30 local vendors now operate food stalls, sell fresh produce, and provide evening entertainment. What once was an inactive nighttime space has quickly become a new tourism attraction, converting idle hours into real economic activity.
From Sidewalk to Spotlight
BUSLPA utilized the grant to acquire tents, food stalls, a generator set, and an inflatable playground, equipment that transformed an unused area into a bustling community destination. The opening ceremony was led by DSWD Caraga Regional Director Mari-Flor Dollaga, together with Butuan City Mayor Lawrence Lemuel Fortun. According to Dollaga, “To all members of the association, the DSWD challenges you to complete all our requirements within your first year. You must ensure the growth of your enterprise so you can receive an additional PHP300,000,” with the agency also indicating the possibility of further funding support up to the third year, depending on sustained performance.
The Economics of Evening Tourism
In Butuan, hotels have long observed that visitors typically check in, rest, and leave the next day with limited nighttime activity. The introduction of the night market helps shift this pattern. Tourists who spend several hours dining, shopping, and enjoying entertainment are more likely to extend their stay, creating a multiplier effect that benefits not only the 30 vendors but the wider hospitality sector. Mayor Fortun also announced plans to establish a Micro Small Entrepreneurs Academy, which will provide free training in financial literacy, innovation, and product marketing. For local government, each thriving vendor contributes to a stronger tax base and a more dynamic city economy.
What Is on the Menu?
Early offerings include fresh seafood, carabao milk-based sweets, and durian-inspired delicacies, foods that highlight Butuan’s culinary identity. The night market features a rotating selection of local dishes, alongside an inflatable playground that enhances its family-friendly appeal. For visitors arriving after museums have closed, it provides a new reason to stay longer in the city. For residents, it serves as a shared space that strengthens community ties. As BUSLPA President Ronnie Mondejar stated, the association will “actively nurture and maximize this opportunity,” ensuring the market continues to grow beyond its initial launch phase.
