BAGUIO City Councilor Leandro Yangot is convening the night market vendors for the second time on July 19 to discuss the clamor for the closure of the Harrison road night market.
Yangot, who chairs the committee on market, trade, commerce and agriculture, said the position of the vendors must be clear as he lamented a slew of violations by the group which affect the city.
“We have to educate them to be compliant and obedient to existing policies, rules and regulations at the night market, otherwise they will lose their livelihood,” said Yangot.
The councilor scheduled the dialogue in two weeks time to address the complaints and position papers submitted to the city as well as President Rodrigo Duterte for the halt of the night market.
“Andaming pasaway kaya sa night market. May mga naglalatag ng paninda before the 9 p.m. start or nagbabagsak mga paninda sa kalahati ng Harrison as early as 7 p.m.,” said Yangot.
Among the strongest violations of the group of vendors are violations in the sanitation code despite past warnings and prohibitions.
City Health Officer Rowena Galpo reported violations show cooking is still ongoing, food is displayed without proper storage, food handlers not wearing gloves, hair protection, absence of personal protective equipment, vendors still using plastic, no garbage containers, no washing facilities, no cooking facilities, inadequate lighting and waste water thrown at plant boxes in the Igorot Park.
Another concern is traffic caused by the night market to night time motorists as well.
“It’s causing traffic and inconvenience and many more,” Yangot admitted.
Talks will resume today at the city hall with the local council members and leaders in the night market to possibly relocate the market or discuss its closure.
In the past, Joseph Claridades, proponent for “smarter roads” has appealed to President Rodrigo Duterte to temporarily suspend the night market operations and to be reviewed and audited by an independent committee.
Another plea was aired by the Baguio Heritage Foundation on the same issue weeks ago.