THE city government of Davao has yet to identify a space where displaced street vendors, who previously set up shop around the vicinity of Agdao Public Market, can transfer and sell their goods.

The ambulant street vendors were advised to move from their previous location since the site development under Phase 3 of the Agdao Farmers Market has started.

Macky Macalipes, the head of the City Economic Enterprise (CEE) told SunStar Davao on May 18 that the vendors were asked to leave since the site would be hazardous for bystanders and vendors due to the ongoing construction.

“Dapat wala na gyod ang mga vendors didto. Na-inform naman sila around two or three weeks ago (The vendors should not be there anymore because we already informed them two to three weeks ago). The CSWDO has provided assistance since nag stop ang livelihood nila didto (their livelihood is temporarily stopped),” Macalipes said in an interview.

Ancillary Services Unit (ASU) head Paul Bermejo on Monday, May 19, said the displaced vendors have requested permission from the City Mayor’s Office to allow them to set up shop along Dacudao Avenue but he said the vendors are still not allowed in the said area.

"Gina-limpyohan man gud namo dira so dili namo gusto nga naa'y vendors dira. So dili pud sila pwede didto (We are in charge of cleaning the area in Dacudao Avenue so we can’t allow the vendors there),” Bermejo said during an interview.

When asked if there are other areas the displaced vendors can relocate, Bermejo said there is none yet but he said the Tiangge sa Katawhan Managament Team is looking for places for the vendors.

Macalipes added that the CEE has no information yet as to the possible areas where the vendors can transfer.

As per ASU, there are still some vendors selling around the vicinity of the Agdao Public Market despite the initial warnings given to them but Bermejo said they continue to monitor the area. (ICM)