ILOILO City – The city government has launched its month-long holiday vending program under heightened regulation, deploying tighter enforcement teams as 347 sidewalk vendors begin operating in designated Christmas zones across all districts.
What would traditionally be a free-for-all holiday rush is now a strictly controlled operation under Executive Order (EO) No. 139, which not only authorizes vendors but also mandates firm rules on placement, movement, and pedestrian safety — marking one of the city’s most regulated December vending seasons in years.
Hannah Almira Rubio, officer-in-charge of the Special Services Division (SSD) under the Public Order and Safety Management Office (POSMO), said the number of authorized sellers is expected to grow after the city extended the deadline for requirement submission.
“We are still receiving applications, and we want to ensure that legitimate vendors are given the opportunity to earn this holiday season,” she said.
Rubio stressed that the city is enforcing strict compliance to prevent congestion and maintain order in major pedestrian corridors.
“We are enforcing strict placement rules. All vendors must stay within their assigned areas to keep walkways clear and maintain smooth pedestrian flow,” she added.
Under EO 139 signed by Mayor Raisa Treñas, vending is allowed only from December 1 to 31, and only in designated corridors such as Iznart, JM Basa, Ledesma, Valeria, and Delgado Streets, as well as permitted zones around the district plazas of Jaro, Molo, and Mandurriao.
Rubio appealed for public cooperation as city teams from POSMO intensify monitoring throughout the month.
“This initiative gives vendors a chance to earn while still keeping the city orderly. We ask our fellow Ilonggos to be patient and cooperative, especially during peak hours,” she said.
Daily deployment of enforcement personnel will continue to ensure adherence to rules on crowd management, safety protocols, and the one-vendor-one-spot policy./PN
