BACOLOD City – As holidays draw near, vendors here still hope the city streets will have space for them.
They have been barred to trade on sidewalks after President Rodrigo Duterte ordered to reclaim all public roads that are being used for private ends.
Three months after the massive road clearing operations, vendors’ associations here have appealed to the city government to allow them trade at the downtown area and the Bacolod public plaza.
Last week, heads of Bacolod Downtown Vendors Association (Bacodva), Luggar Brotherhood Vendors Association Inc. and Plaza Fruit Vendors sent their letters to the City Mayor’s Office and the City Council.
Victoria Amolato, president of Bacodva, said they are asking Mayor Evelio Leonardia to allow them to sell in the areas of Gonzaga, Gatuslao, Luzuriaga, Araneta and Bonifacio Streets from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. from Dec. 1 to 31.
“In the spirit of Christmas, we are hopeful that the city officials will allow us so we can support our families,” she said.
If the city will approve their request, she said that they will follow regulations including the cleanliness and peace and order in said areas.
Cora Tabaquerrao, president of Luggar Vendors, said they are asking the city to allow them to occupy one-meter by one-meter at the downtown area and they promised that there will be no hanging of products and exist wares.
“The officers of the association will impose a strict regulation and responsible for the members to follow the guidelines,” said Tabaquerrao.
Meanwhile, Plaza Fruit Vendor president Norayda Senoro said that in the month of December, they are occupying a portion of public plaza so they are hopeful that the city will allow them to sell their fruits in the area.
“We are occupying a portion of public plaza along Gonzaga Street to sell fruits so that we may be part of the holiday season by way of selling a such,” she said.
Executive Assistant Ernie Pineda, head of market coordinating and monitoring task force, said they will wait for the decision of the city mayor and the members of the City Council if they will be allowed to sell again in said areas./PN
