ASIDE from the vegetable truckers, stakeholders in the poultry industry conducting transactions in Benguet province wants to be exempted in Baguio City’s truck ban.
During the Avian Influenza Task Force and Stakeholders Emergency Meeting held January 4, chicken dung sellers, wholesalers and retailers raised their request to possibly exempt them of Baguio City's truck ban ordinance.
As adopted in the new truck ban ordinance approved by City Mayor Mauricio Domogan, heavy equipment vehicles, trailers, dump trucks and other freight trucks with gross weight capacity of 4,500 kilograms or more are not allowed to enter, traverse, park, load, unload or pass through the streets or roads in the city from 6 a.m. to 9 a.m. and from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Trucks will be allowed to traverse only after 9:01 p.m. until 6 a.m.
During the meeting, Benguet Governor Crescencio Pacalso said there have been same requests done for the vegetable sector to Baguio City for truck ban exemption.
"Humingi kami para sa ating mga truck ng gulay at bulaklak, pero parang may special permit permit ang binigay kaya puwede nating gawin iyon," said Pacalso.
Pacalso added they can address a letter to gain special permits opting for the exemption.
The governor said stickers or special passes are utilized by truckers to be exempted from the city’s truck ban.
Marieta Bautista, supplier for 25 years from Sta. Maria Bulacan said a maximum of 1,500 broiler heads can be accommodated in a truck.
"Problema talaga iyong travel time. Bukod doon, iyong loss weight, mas malaki iyong loss weight kapag natagalan sa biyahe, malaking bagay sa amin kapag na-approve ang aming request," she added.