BACOLOD City — The Sangguniang Panlungsod (SP) committee on markets is reviewing proposed amendments to the city’s vending ordinance to expand designated legal zones for ambulant vendors.
Committee chairperson Councilor Celia Flor said the amendment aims to incorporate additional locations, including designated areas near public markets.
The initiative follows concerns raised by ambulant vendors operating along South Capitol Road across from the Provincial Capitol Lagoon. Under City Ordinance No. 1009, Series of 2022 (Vending Regulation Ordinance), South Capitol Road is not listed as a designated vending area.
Four vendors in the area are currently awaiting relocation assignments from the city government.
City Administrator Atty. Mark Steven Mayo previously said that while the city government is seeking alternative sites, vending along South Capitol Road remains prohibited under current regulations. The City Legal Office (CLO) has directed affected vendors to vacate the area to maintain enforcement consistency.
Vendors have expressed willingness to leave South Capitol Road provided a suitable alternative is designated. Authorities are considering North Capitol Road as a potential temporary site, where vending is allowed under the existing ordinance.
Mayo added that should the SP approve expanding the authorized vending zones, the city administration may formally propose including South Capitol Road. This would allow qualified vendors in the area to apply for special permits and legally continue their operations.
Flor emphasized that all proposed site additions will still be subject to deliberation and approval by the SP./PN
