MEMBERS of the Burnham Park Massage Therapist and Manicurist Livelihood Association are asking the new administration for a chance to practice their trade.

The group of women, originally operating at the outer lake of Burnham Park, was asked to stop by the Public Order and Safety Division of the city as they are in violation of the Baguio City Environment Code.

"We are wholeheartedly appealing and with your kind heart, that we will be given a chance to showcase our profession and livelihood in order for us to sustain the needs of the people and the needs of our families. And we also believe, that our livelihood which was long time source of our income in a good way, has being an objective to lessen the poverty rate in our city," the group said.

During the citizens' forum on July 8, 2019, the group faced the City Council and asked that they be allowed to resume their trade while the City looks for a place for them to use. The Council advised the group to direct their request to Mayor Benjamin Magalong.

The group said their operations at Burnham Park started in 2015, providing them with additional income "so we can support the needs of our respective families. The skills we acquired from the massage trainings that was sponsored by the City Government of Baguio and Department of Education Alternative Learning System with the noble purpose of providing skills training for the less privileged in order for them to become self-reliant individuals under the doctrine of self-help."

"We understand the maintenance of orderliness in the area where we operate is among the programs of our city. That is why, although we are saddened that the said are no longer allowed, as law abiding citizens, we have to find another place to showcase our skills for us to possibly get regular health care and wellness customers," the group said.