• THERESA MAE DULMAN
The Bacolod city government has begun preparations for the Undas observance from Oct. 29 to Nov. 2, focusing primarily on vendor regulation and cemetery cleanups to ensure an orderly commemoration.
City administrator, Atty. Mark Steven Mayo, said Oct. 21 that Mayor Greg Gasataya has requested the Sangguniang Panlungsod to pass a resolution designating specific vending areas for flowers, candles, and other goods during the five-day observance.
The designated vending spots include the Bacolod public plaza, specifically along Gonzaga and San Juan streets, the Libertad Market area along Hernaez and Mabini streets, Burgos Street from corner Hilado to corner Ramos Street, near the Burgos Cemetery from Bacolod Police Station 4 to corner Lopez Jaena Street, as well as areas surrounding the Handumanan and Granada public cemeteries.
Mayo emphasized that vendors operating in these designated spaces must secure special permits from the city, and warned that strict enforcement will be implemented.
“After the designation of areas, the vendors will process their special permits. That is the most important part because the enforcement team is very strict,” he stressed.
In line with the preparations, the General Services Office (GSO) will commence clearing and sanitation operations across public cemeteries this week to provide visitors with a clean and spacious environment when paying respects to their departed loved ones.
Mayo confirmed that there will be no full road closures throughout the city during undas.
The only traffic adjustment will be a temporary half-lane closure, from Police Station 4 to corner Lopez Jaena Street, to accommodate vending stalls.
He said necessary traffic advisories will be issued for the remaining vending zones to guide motorists and commuters. | TMD
