ILOILO City – The city government is allowing vendors to occupy sidewalks this holiday season.
According to Mayor Jose Espinosa III, some 300 vendors can sell along sidewalks not only in the City Proper but also in the districts of La Paz, Arevalo, Mandurriao, Jaro, Molo, and Lapuz.
Opening the sidewalks to vendors during the Yuletide season is a yearly practice of the city government to.
“It benefits not only poor vendors but also shoppers scouting for affordable merchandise,” said Espinosa.
But there are rules sidewalk vendors must follow, he said, such as keeping their surroundings clean.
“Namion gid ang areas of selling,” said Espinosa.
Meanwhile, Public Safety and Transportation Management Office (PSTMO) head Jeck Conlu clarified that vendors should not occupy the whole breadth of the sidewalk.
They should leave open an area around a meter wide as walkway for shoppers, he stressed.
Vendors must also first secure a special business permit – for a fee of P200 – from the city government’s Business Permit and Licensing Office and register with it the products they would be selling.
The sale of firecrackers and “wet products” are not allowed along sidewalks, said Conlu.
Only allowed for selling are dry goods such as ready-to-wear clothes, fruits and gift items, among others, he said.
PSTMO’s Social Services Unit will be constantly checking the sidewalks./PN
