ILOILO City — The Iloilo City Council has moved to formalize and tighten control over the rapidly expanding food truck industry, passing a new ordinance that both legitimizes mobile food businesses and imposes stricter regulations to safeguard public order and safety.
The measure brings food trucks and mobile kiosks under official city regulation — a shift from informal operations to a structured, permit-driven system as the sector continues to grow alongside the city’s tourism and events scene.
The ordinance acknowledges the role of food trucks and kiosks in the local economy, said ordinance author Councilor Rudolph Ganzon, chairperson of the Committee on Trade and Commerce.
These businesses generate employment, support local farmers and suppliers, and contribute to the city’s tourism and cultural identity, he pointed out.
Under the ordinance, food trucks and mobile food kiosks will now be required to secure permits from the city government, particularly when participating in festivals and food events.
Ganzon expressed hope that the measure will help establish a distinct identity for the sector.
The ordinance distinguishes food trucks and mobile kiosks from ambulant vendors.
Food trucks and kiosks — typically larger than the 2×4-foot size allowed for ambulant vendors — will be regulated by the Business Permits and Licensing Division (BPLD), while ambulant vendors remain under the supervision of the Special Services Division (SSD).
This classification ensures proper monitoring and enforcement.
Operators will only be allowed to set up in areas designated by the city government or in private properties with the consent of the owner.
However, the ordinance imposes strict limitations.
Food trucks and mobile kiosks are prohibited from operating within 20 meters of schools, hospitals, churches, and other areas identified by the city government.
They are also barred from setting up in no-vending zones or in locations that could pose risks to public safety, such as blocking emergency access, pedestrian pathways, or traffic flow.
Food trucks and mobile kiosks have become a familiar presence in Iloilo, especially during food festivals and major events./PN
