BACOLOD City — Nearly 50 vendors in Barangay Tangub are set to be relocated as the Bacolod City government intensifies its road-clearing campaign against illegal structures occupying public roads.
Barangay Tangub Captain Noli Villarosa said the road-clearing operation is being led by the City Legal Office (CLO), emphasizing that the barangay did not interfere with the enforcement process.
Last month, the CLO served notices to vacate to owners of illegal structures along Purok Pag-asa.
At least 41 owners of illegal structures officially received demand letters, although Villarosa said the clearing operation is expected to affect nearly 50 vendors operating in the area.
The CLO confirmed that its enforcement team served the demand letters on July 20, directing the owners to vacate the area by August 3.
CLO spokesperson Vanessa Encabo said most of the structures were occupied by market vendors who had been using portions of public roads, causing traffic congestion and obstructing motorists and pedestrians.
The affected vendors sell various commodities, including fish, fruits, groceries and other goods.
Encabo said the CLO had earlier issued advisories encouraging vendors to voluntarily dismantle and remove their illegal structures before the demand letters were served.
To address the displacement, the barangay has proposed relocating the affected vendors to a privately owned property in Purok Pag-asa that will serve as a new wet market.
Villarosa said the vendors have expressed support for the relocation plan and are willing to pay a daily rental fee of P100 once they transfer to the new site.
He said the proposed relocation is also intended to address long-standing complaints from residents about the existing market area.
Villarosa said vendors selling fish and other perishable goods have contributed to foul odors, while roadside stalls have caused traffic congestion and posed safety risks to motorists and shoppers.
Encabo added that the CLO has encouraged barangay officials to identify a permanent relocation site where displaced vendors can continue their livelihood without occupying public roads.
The demand letters were served by the CLO Enforcement Team in coordination with the Bacolod Traffic and Transport Management Department, Business Permits and Licensing Office and City Health Office.
City department heads also met with Villarosa to coordinate the orderly implementation of the road-clearing operation and the relocation of the affected vendors./PN
