BACOLOD City Administrator John Orola said on Tuesday, September 11, he is waiting for the report of the City Engineer’s Office (CEO) on the transfer of the flower vendors from the public plaza to the designated site behind the Bacolod Arts and Youth Sports (Bays) Center.

Orola said he already talked with the City Legal Office (CLO) to wait for the CEO’s report first before removing the flower vendors at the public plaza.

“We are just preparing the program of works on the structural assistance for the flower vendors,” he said.

Orola also clarified that there’s no need to pass an ordinance for the transfer of the flower vendors because they will not close the whole area behind the Bays Center.

“One of our advisers had earlier suggested passing an ordinance to transfer them, but it was determined that we will not occupy or close the road in the said area. It was only an opinion,” Orola said.

He said the flower vendors will be given enough time to prepare and reconstruct their new stalls behind the Bays Center.

Orola is also hopeful that the flower vendors will transfer to the identified designated area before the MassKara Festival.

“We need their (flower vendors) cooperation so we can rehabilitate and implement the beautification program at public the plaza,” Orola said.

The flower vendors are occupying 18 stalls at the plaza, and they are giving donations to the Bacolod Diocese, which owns the portion of public plaza being occupied by the vendors, at P50 per day. (MAP)