By Paulo Loreto Lim

Iloilo City Mayor Jose Espinosa III issued an executive order earlier this week, which both requires flower vendors to obtain a special permit to sell their wares, along with designating specific areas throughout the city where flowers can be sold for this year’s All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day observances, which run from November 1 to 2.

Earlier this month, Iloilo City Public Safety and Traffic Management Office (PSTMO) head Jeck Conlu said the city was already working on implementing the special permits, noting, “We are just waiting for the BPLO (Business Permits and Licensing Office) if they can issue a special business permit.”

BPLO head Norman Tabud explained the release of special permits began yesterday, with vendors required to pay P200 to the City Treasurer’s Office.

The permits allow vendors to sell from October 30 to November 1.

According to the order, eligible vendors include those who received a permit in the preceding year and applicants who submit a barangay clearance, a community tax certificate, and endorsement from the market-in-charge for stalls established at public markets.

The BPLO head noted, vendors selling near the public plaza are required to obtain an endorsement from the Special Services Unit (SSU).

“After they get their endorsement, they have to secure barangay permits from [the] respective barangays which cover jurisdiction of [their] designated selling areas before they can be given special permit,” Tabud added.

Meanwhile, the identified areas for selling are at Aldeguer-Rizal Streets, outside Central Market in City Proper; Barangay Katilingban in the Molo district; along Oñate Street in the Mandurriao district; along El 98 Street, and Barangays Desamparados and Seminario in the Jaro district; La Paz Market; and Barangay Sta. Felomina in the Arevalo district.

Conlu previously indicated the roads around the vendor areas will also be cleared, explaining, “We will clear our roads of illegally parked vehicles and any obstructions.”/PLL, WDJ