ILOILO City – With street vending becoming increasingly visible in the city’s growing urban landscape, Mayor Raisa Treñas is pushing for a balanced strategy that ensures both public order and livelihood preservation.
In a recent dialogue with leaders of ambulant and sidewalk vendors, along with representatives of the city government’s Public Order and Safety Management Office (POSMO), Treñas made clear her commitment to helping small vendors — but emphasized that their presence must not compromise road discipline, traffic flow, or pedestrian safety.
“While suportado ko gid ang aton mga kasimanwa nga nagapangabudlay sa pangabuhi, ginpahangop ko man sa ila nga kinahanglan sang balanse – pagpanikasog sang mga vendors para sa ila pamilya kag ang kaayuhan sang kadam-an, ilabi na sa trapiko kag kalinong sa karsada,” she said.
To initiate the planning process, Treñas requested detailed maps of existing vending zones.
“Plano naton ini nga butangan sang mga guidelines kag pagahimuan sang win-win solution sa diin maka-income sila nga wala nagasagabal sa trapiko,” she said.
The mayor further emphasized the importance of collaborative governance in shaping a more inclusive and organized city: “Padayon kita sa pagbinuligay para sa pag uswag sang aton pinalangga nga Iloilo City.”
The initiative builds on previous vendor-supportive programs spearheaded by the city government:
* Nego Kart Project – In March, 133 laminated vending carts were distributed to street vendors through a partnership between the city government and the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE). The initiative also included training on food safety.
* Uswag Negosyo Academy – More than 300 vendors have undergone capacity-building programs in sanitation, business skills, and financial literacy.
* Holiday Sidewalk Permits – Vendors are permitted to operate in designated areas during peak seasons, subject to strict regulations.
* POSMO Enforcement at Sunset Boulevard – Vendors without permits have been cleared, with the city requiring proper sanitation and business documentation for future operations.
As Iloilo City continues its rapid growth and builds its reputation as a smart, livable, and bike-friendly urban hub, Treñas said reconciling informal commerce with orderly development is a critical policy challenge that must be addressed./PN
