BACOLOD City – Mayor Greg Gasataya clarified that no official proposal has been submitted to his office regarding the reported plan to purchase a property in Barangay Alijis for the relocation of vendors affected by the clearing operations at the Asenso Satellite Market.
Gasataya issued the statement after Barangay Alijis Captain Deogracias Dela Vega disclosed that the barangay is negotiating to acquire a portion of a privately owned lot that could serve as a relocation site for vendors ordered to vacate the market area.
“Officially, wala sang may naglab-ot sa akon opisina parte sa sini nga proposal. Probably basi may proposal ini sang una, pero sa subong wala pa sang formal nga endorsement ukon request nga na-submit sa akon opisina,” Gasataya said.
Earlier, Dela Vega appealed to the Sangguniang Panlungsod (SP) to extend operations at the Asenso Satellite Market and allow affected vendors to continue operating while relocation efforts are underway.
According to Dela Vega, negotiations are ongoing for the acquisition of a portion of a privately owned property in Barangay Alijis where vendors could be transferred once they leave the market site.
The vendors were served notices to vacate by the City Legal Office (CLO) on June 1, while demolition and clearing operations were initially scheduled for June 11.
Dela Vega said the relocation initiative aims to provide vendors with a permanent site where they can continue earning a livelihood after being displaced from their current location.
He also revealed that Councilor Dindo Ramos had earlier proposed appropriating P5 million from the city government for the acquisition of a property intended for vendor relocation.
However, Gasataya maintained that no official communication regarding the proposed purchase has reached his office.
The mayor likewise stressed that vendors operating at the Asenso Satellite Market must comply with all city requirements, including securing special permits, despite the 90-day extension approved by the city council on June 10.
“The city council approved the extension of their operation, but that does not mean they are exempt from securing a special permit like other businesses in the city,” Gasataya said.
Records from the CLO showed that notices to vacate were issued to 27 stall owners, while 51 permanent structures were ordered removed for occupying portions of a public road and sidewalk. Authorities noted that several vendors were occupying multiple stalls.
Barangay officials admitted that no special permits had been secured when the market began operations in March. Dela Vega, however, said vendors are now being required to process the necessary permits with the city government.
Despite the uncertainty surrounding the proposed lot acquisition, Dela Vega said the barangay remains committed to finding a long-term solution for the affected vendors.
“Ginatinguhaan namon nga matigayon ini para may permanente nga balaklan kag baligyaan ang mga vendors. Pero kon indi ini madayon, mapungko kami kag mag-istoryahanay upod sa alkalde para makapangita sang iban nga solusyon,” he said.
For now, the proposed property acquisition remains unofficial at the city level as barangay officials continue exploring relocation options for vendors affected by the clearing operations at the Asenso Satellite Market./PN
