BACOLOD City — The Bacolod City Government has intensified its support for small vendors by distributing free Government Carts (G-Carts) to 31 members of the Bacolod City Plaza Vendors Association (BACPUVA) as the rehabilitation of the historic Bacolod Public Plaza nears completion.
Mayor Greg Gasataya led the turnover ceremony on May 28, emphasizing that the city’s redevelopment efforts aim to improve the plaza without sacrificing the livelihood of vendors who have long depended on the area for income.
“We do not intend to disrupt the livelihood of our vendors at the plaza,” Gasataya said.
“What we want is to provide them with proper venues where everyone can benefit while improving their means of livelihood,” he added.
Each G-Cart, valued at P15,000, was provided free of charge by the city government. The carts are equipped with wheels for mobility, storage compartments, and solar-powered lights to help vendors operate more safely and efficiently.
The initiative forms part of the city’s broader vision of creating a cleaner, greener, and more organized Bacolod Public Plaza while preserving the livelihood of long-time vendors.
Gasataya underscored the importance of protecting and dignifying small businesses instead of removing them from the area.
“Let’s uplift the dignity of our plaza vendors, as well as other nearby vendors,” the mayor said.
According to City Administrator Atty. Mark Steven Mayo, who heads the local market committee, the vendors also received P10,000 each in December 2025 through the city’s Sustainable Livelihood Program to help augment their capital.
The distribution of the G-Carts became an emotional moment for many BACPUVA members, who described the assistance as a major turning point after years of uncertainty and clearing operations.
BACPUVA president Gloria Castillano expressed gratitude to the city government for recognizing the contribution of plaza vendors to the local economy.
“For years, we experienced removal operations, and many of our products were confiscated or wasted during clearing activities,” Castillano said.
“But now, we feel protected and grateful for this opportunity to improve our lives through the mayor’s initiative,” she added.
Castillano shared that she and her siblings have been selling banana cue and beverages at the Bacolod Public Plaza since the 1970s.
Before receiving the carts, the vendors underwent several months of livelihood and entrepreneurship training organized by the city government. The training covered food processing, accounting, business management, product packaging, handicraft production, food preservation, and other income-generating skills.
The training programs were conducted through the City Administrator’s Office in partnership with the City Cooperative and Livelihood Development Office (CCLDO) and the Department of Social Services and Development (DSSD).
Executive Assistant to the Mayor April Rose Mayo said the program was launched shortly after Gasataya assumed office in July 2025 as part of the administration’s commitment to support informal workers and micro-entrepreneurs.
City officials are also working on the issuance of special permits to legitimize the operations of vendors within designated areas around the plaza.
Gasataya said the city government’s approach is centered on “regulate, not relocate,” ensuring that vendors become more organized, prepared, and protected while maintaining their source of livelihood.
The mayor added that supporting small businesses remains an important component of Bacolod’s redevelopment efforts, particularly in an area considered one of the city’s historic centers of commerce and community activity.
“We understand that even small businesses need protection and support as we rehabilitate the plaza,” Gasataya said.
“We cannot do this alone, but if everyone helps protect the Bacolod Public Plaza, we can achieve more together,” he added.
The ongoing rehabilitation of the Bacolod Public Plaza, being undertaken by the Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA), is expected to be completed by July this year in preparation for the MassKara Festival in October.
Councilor Celia Flor, chairperson of the Sangguniang Panlungsod Committee on Markets and author of City Ordinance No. 1009, Series of 2022, also known as the city’s vending regulation ordinance, told vendors during the distribution that the initiative is aligned with the implementation of the ordinance./PN
