THE vendors associations in Bacolod City are appealing to the city officials to allow them to sell at the downtown area and the Bacolod public plaza from December 1 to 31.
The officials of Bacolod Downtown Vendors Association (Bacodva), Luggar Brotherhood Vendors Association Inc., and Plaza Fruit Vendors already sent their letters to the City Mayor’ Office and to the City Council on November 19.
Victoria Amolato, president of Bacodva, said they are asking Mayor Evelio Leonardia to allow them to sell in the areas of Gonzaga, Gatuslao, Luzuriaga, Araneta and Bonifacio Streets from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. from December 1 to 31.
“In the spirit of Christmas, we are hopeful that the city officials will allow us so we can support our families,” she said.
If the city will approve their request, she added that they will follow their regulations including the cleanliness and peace and order in said areas.
Cora Tabaquerrao, president of Luggar Vendors, said they are asking the city to allow them to occupy one-meter by one-meter at the downtown area and they promised that there will be no hanging of products and exist wares.
“The officers of the association will impose a strict regulation and responsible for the members to follow the guidelines,” she said.
Norayda Senoro, president of Plaza Fruit Vendor, said that in the month of December, they are occupying a portion of public plaza so they are hopeful that the city will allow them to sell their fruits in the area.
“We are occupying a portion of public plaza along Gonzaga Street to sell fruits so that we may be part of the holiday season by way of selling a such,” she said.
Executive Assistant Ernie Pineda, head of market coordinating and monitoring task force, said they will wait for the decision of the city mayor and the members of the City Council if they will be allowed to sell again in said areas.
In August, hundreds of vendors at the downtown area voluntarily removed their illegal structures in compliance with President Rodrigo Duterte’s directive to rid public streets of obstructions to facilitate the orderly use of thoroughfares.
The affected vendors were transferred to the Bacolod Vendors Plaza near the Manokan country.