Wednesday, January 30, 2008 Vendors impair market encounter set-up
THE executive committee of the Baguio Flower Festival (BFF) led by its chairperson Anthony de Leon and Amboy Guevarra, head of BFF secretariat, implored the assistance of the City Council in transferring illegal vendors at the Jose Abad Santos Drive because the installation of picket fences, designs and pavilions for the Market Encounter could not proceed because there are still vendors there.
Last week, the Public Order and Safety Division (POSD) conducted clearing operations at the site and relocated the vendors at the periphery of the old auditorium, but de Leon said when their team went to the site, some vendors were still vending in the area.
"We are stymied because they are still there and it's only a few days before the Market Encounter," de Leon said. The Market Encounter opens on Friday.
"Be patient," was the advice of the City Council to the execom.
Vice Mayor Daniel Fariñas assured City Administrator Peter Fianza and the POSD will act on their concern. In the meantime, the execom and members of the City Council would meet on Wednesday to address their concerns regarding committee memberships.
This, after Councilors Erdolfo Balajadia and Betty Lourdes Tabanda said they should be informed of their roles as chairmen of some committees. "We should be informed of what is happening," Balajadia said. "What is my role, what am I supposed to do," Tabanda added.
Councilor Rocky Thomas Balisong, on the other hand, resigned as chairman saying officials should only support the activity, but the lead role should now be given solely to the private sector. (RO)
