Saturday, November 05, 2005
Rama orders food vendors away from Magellan’s Cross
So as not to “spoil the beauty” of the historic landmark, Cebu City Vice Mayor Michael Rama has ordered sidewalk vendors not to sell food at the Magellan’s Cross.
“Stalls of vendors surrounding the Magellan’s Cross are now unregulated and scattered around the area, spoiling its beauty,” Rama said in a letter the other day.
Rama cited leftovers and other refuse from the stalls occupied by at least 19 vendors in the area.
Management
Gerry Marquez, City Hall consultant for the urban poor, said vendors of souvenir items such as guitars and trinkets should not worry about the order.
Rama, chairman of the Cebu City Tourism Commission, wants Marquez to “regulate the use of the area for vending” and said that “proper management of stalls must be carried out.”
Marquez, in an interview, said he will suggest to the Parks and Playgrounds Commission that vendors should not be allowed to bring along their children, who often tend to litter the area.
“It’s better they leave their children at home,” he said.
Last year, Marquez already had beggars rounded up and brought to charity centers because they were unsightly to tourists visiting the cross.
Alms
Aside from keeping an eye out for pickpockets, tourists visiting Magellan’s Cross had to contend with ruffians who kept on dogging them for alms.
Marquez also requested the Parks and Playgrounds Commission to have fewer vendors, who must use uniform stalls, so the vicinity will not appear crowded.
The City Government has been running after sidewalk vendors lately, with new vendors on Colon St. being driven out “to protect pedestrians.”
Only those considered “original” vendors, identified by the Cebu City United Vendors Association, will be allowed to return.
After Colon, vendors on Magallanes St. will be next, Marquez said. (RHM)
(November 5, 2005 issue)
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