Flower, candle vendors to occupy Ganza parking

ONE hundred fifty flower and candle vendors will be selling their goods at the Ganza parking space formerly occupied by Jadewell Parking Systems, said Mayor Mauricio Domogan.

Mayor Domogan said he talked to Roger Tan, president of Jadewell Parking Systems, about the intention of the city to use the vacant parking space that has been subject to a pending court decision.

Tan told Domogan the city is free to use the vacant parking space from October 26 to November 1.

The mayor made the decision after flower and candle vendors pleaded to use Harrison Road again as they claim to have incurred losses last year when they occupied Juan Luna Drive.

Domogan said the use of sidewalks along Harrison Road and other areas for selling flowers and candles will not be allowed except at the Ganza parking area.

He said night market vendors have also been occupying a portion of Harrison Road in front of Melvin Jones Grandstand from 9 p.m. to 4 a.m. daily.

He tasked the City Government committee in charge of the flower and candle trade to already take measurements inside the Ganza Parking Area to accommodate the vendors.

OIC-City Treasurer Alicia Onoza said the vendors have already started paying P600. This payment includes: P165 business tax, P200 for mayor’s permit, P50 for garbage fee, P55 for sewerage fees, P80 for electricity and P50 for area use.

City Administrator lawyer Carlos Canilao, the action officer of this year’s Oplan Kaluluwa together with police director Senior Superintendent Jesus Cambay Jr., said they will present to the mayor the agreement of flower and candle vendors with city officials on where to sell their goods.

Canilao said traffic rerouting and peace and order plans are already in place to ensure a peaceful and meaningful observance of this year’s celebration of All Souls’ and All Saints’ Days.

Baguio City Police Director Jesus Cambay Jr. said some 150 policemen from the Police Regional Office-Cordillera will augment the current manpower of the local police.

Traffic rerouting schemes, designated parking areas, and volunteer groups were already designated to assist motorists and ensure the smooth flow of traffic, especially near the city cemetery and other private memorial parks.

Canilao added no selling of liquor, gambling, and other goods are allowed inside the Baguio public cemetery. Carrying of deadly weapons will also not be allowed by the police.

He called on the public to observe a more meaningful celebration of the holidays to remember their departed friends and relatives.

The city administrator added there will be a command post inside the cemetery to address the needs of the public.

Assistant City Environment and parks management Officer (Cepmo) Ruben Cervantes said they have began cleaning and clearing alleys and hauling of shrubs and grasses in the Baguio Public Cemetery.

Cervantes said a private contractor was hired by the city to haul out trash at the public cemetery.

He called on the public to observe segregation to not burden the contractor hired by the city to clean out trash in the cemetery.

Cepmo department head Cordelia Lacsamana said some 19,000 tombs and mausoleums based on their latest physical inventory are to be found inside the public cemetery. (JM Agreda)