While the ordinance still permits the conduct of trade fairs, this will no longer be allowed in Burnham and People's parks, as well as in city-owned and managed parks.
Trade fairs are limited to 15 days only and will no longer be extended, as what was practiced in the past.
The recently passed ordinance is in response to the clamor of legitimate businessmen and residents that the volume of people going to these fairs damages the city's parks greeneries and serves as venue for the unfair competition among local businessmen.
The ordinance also addresses issues on non-payment of required fees as well as unauthorized collection of fees.
The amended trade fair ordinance allows the selling of agricultural, industrial and other products through inter-regional trading.
Ten percent of the fair's gross income will be paid directly to the City Treasurer's Office. In turn, the monies remitted will be used for Baguio's cleanliness and beautification program.
Cooperatives or barangays may also organize fairs on the condition that proceeds will go straight to their accounts.
On top of other requirements, participants are also required to use the environment-friendly wrapping.
Likewise, organizers should be registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and City Council.
Before setting-up booth for a trade fair, organizers are required to submit to the Council a written request, certificate true copy of certificate of registration, business permit and accreditation, project proposal, list of participants and their addresses and the list of goods to be sold.
At the end of the fair, organizers are also mandated to submit a terminal report to the offices of the mayor, DTI and the council.
The report would contain the activities undertaken, problems encountered and the sales performance of every participant.
Fairs sponsored by the City Government or organized by National Government agencies are exempt from business permit fees. Trade fairs are barred on the months of June, July, August, September, October, and November.
Violation of the ordinance would mean a penalty of P5,000 and not more than six months of imprisonment upon the court's discretion. The violators will also be banned from participating in any trade fair in Baguio, in the future. (RO)
