THE Bacolod City Council has approved the request of the flower vendors to occupy the areas of Bacolod public plaza and along Burgos Public Cemetery only from October 31 to November 2 for the observance of All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day.

It was approved during the regular session of the City Council on Wednesday, October 23, 2019.

Vice Mayor El Cid Familiaran said Thursday, October 24, 2019, that last year, the flower vendors were allowed to occupy the areas of Libertad Public Market, Burgos Public Market, public plaza, and along Burgos Public Cemetery.

“This time, the flower vendors are only allowed to occupy the public plaza and along Burgos Public Cemetery so that it will be fair to all the vendors since we already demolished or removed the illegal structures occupying the roads,” he said.

He added the vendors should secure a special permit so they can sell their flowers and candles in said areas.

Familiaran noted that the Bacolod Traffic Authority Office (BTAO) will also close the road at Burgos Public Cemetery on November 1 for the safety of the public.

“We already removed the illegal structures in Burgos and Libertad public markets, that were occupying the sidewalks and roads, so we will not allow them to return,” Familiaran said.

He said the demolition of the illegal structures is in compliance with President Rodrigo Duterte’s directive to rid public streets of obstructions to facilitate the orderly use of thoroughfares.

Executive Assistant Ernie Pineda, chief coordinator of Market Coordinating and Monitoring Task Force, also said that anytime, Mayor Evelio Leonardia will also form a Task Force All Saints’ Day to monitor and assist in the implementation and regulation of public plaza and cemeteries in the city.

“We need the cooperation of the flower vendors to maintain the smooth flow of traffic in various areas, especially during the All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day,” he said.