CEBU CITY – Local Mayor Edgardo Labella has allowed sidewalk vendors displaced by the government’s campaign against road obstructions and illegal structures on public streets to return to Colon Street at night and continue their livelihood.
Labella said the decision was made after he met and spoke with Senator Bong Go and discussed the plight of the poor vendors who lost their livelihood due to the on-going clearing operations on major roads.
But Labella said he could not yet ascertain if the vendors could return to their original spot prior to the nationwide campaign ordered by President Rodrigo Duterte.
He said vendors will be allowed to sell their merchandises at night starting from 6:30 p.m. up to 4 a.m. the following day.
The vendors, he said, should see to it the road would be cleared of all obstructions during the day after they leave the night market area. “Ato sila pabalikon pero ako gi-propose nila nga kanang Colon Street, especially during the night ang ako gi-suggest nila we will open the night market. Ato na lang sugdan ato nindoton limpyohon nato karon kita gyud modumala,” he said.
Many vendors have praised and thanked Labella for allowing them back to Colon and sell at the night market. Raquel Arce, head of the Prevention, Rehabilitation, Order, Beautification and Enhancement team, said the Cebu City Market Administrator will oversee the implementation of the night market while barangay officials will assist in guaranteeing peace and order.
Wilma Cabo, president of Colon Vendors Association, urged the local government to clear the roads of illegally parked cars which obstruct the flow of traffic. She said city officials should not only limit their regulatory actions on the vendors who are dependent on the sidewalk for their livelihood.
Basan Amora, president of Barug Vendors Association, said the vendors who were transferred to the Tabo sa Banay in P. Gullas Street, have complained of low sales. (John Rey Saavedra)
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