• THERESA MAE DULMAN
The Bacolod city government will strictly enforce the “no permit, no vending” policy for vendors this undas observance, with teams already deployed to monitor the vending areas until Nov. 2, city administrator, Atty. Mark Steven Mayo, said Oct. 29.
Mayo said the city government is exerting its best effort to enforce the regulation out of fairness to the vendors who followed proper procedures and paid the required fees.
He noted that allowing unpermitted vendors to set up anywhere would be unfair to those who complied with city regulations.
“Expect that we will enforce clearing operations against you because you have known from the very beginning that we gave everyone the chance to comply. However, there are those who show that they simply refuse to secure and process a permit because there is a fee, yet they still want to sell without any hassle,” Mayo said.
Mayo, and Councilor Celia Flor, chairperson of the Sangguniang Panlungsod Committee on Markets, led the ceremonial distribution of special permits to 222 flower and candle vendors, who processed the papers and paid the fees.
Flor reminded the vendors to stay in their designated areas and follow the instructions provided by the city to ensure orderly operations.
Mayor Greg Gasataya also met with the vendors. “You should not be nervous about selling because you have a permit issued by the city. We are here to protect you because we believe that every opportunity to sell here is a big help to your families.”
Thirty-one vendors have secured special permits to set up at Burgos Cemetery, 24 at Burgos Market, 33 along Gonzaga Street, 50 in San Juan Street, 52 along Hernaez Street, 22 in Mabini Street, and 10 in Handumanan. | TMD
