ERMITA Barangay Captain Felicisimo Rupinta assured around 130 ambulant fish vendors on Calderon St. in Cebu City that they can continue doing their business without fear of being cleared out of the area.
But they must keep their vending areas clean and orderly and ensure that the street is still passable for motorists, he said.
Before reaching an agreement, some 50 members of the Calderon Barracks Assocation (CBA) staged a silent protest at the Plaza Sugbo grounds last Monday after Rupinta ordered the demolition of their stalls last week.
Anna Marie Ariosa, CBA representative, had said that Rupinta issued the demolition without any written notice.
She lamented that many of them have been selling in the area since the 1970s, and have not received any complaints.
Mayor Tomas Osmeña met with the vendors and told them that the City Government will allow them to continue doing their business in the area.
During the meeting held at the Ermita barangay gym yesterday, both parties agreed that the barangay will let them be as long as they keep their area clean and they leave space for vehicles to pass.
The barangay and vendors were urged to work together, instead of turning against each other.
“We saw that as long as we organize everything well and hear each other’s side, we can all solve the problem in a civil manner. We’re thankful that our vendors listened and now we have settled the rift between them and the barangay,” said Councilor Dave Tumulak.
Rupinta, for his part, asked the vendors to allow other ambulant traders to sell on Calderon St. “Of course, our residents from Ermita or other barangays should also be given the same opportunity. Since the City Government has decided to give all ambulant vendors maximum tolerance, then the streets should not be made exclusive to one association only,” he said.