By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga

About 905 owners of illegal structures are expected to be affected by the “no vending policy,” which is being implemented at Bacolod City’s three major markets and along city sidewalks in response to the directive by President Rodrigo Duterte, who ordered local government units to “reclaim thoroughfares that are being used for private ends.”
Those affected by the initiative include those operating along Ramos and Burgos Streets at Burgos Public Market, along Ballesteros Street at Central Market, at the corner of Amelia-Mercedes Streets at Libertad Market, and along the sidewalk in the downtown area.
Affected vendors at Burgos Public Market and Central Market will be transferred inside their respective establishments, while Libertad Market vendors will be moved into the annex building.
The city has yet to reveal their plans for sidewalk vendors.
Bacolod City Mayor Evelio Leonardia said meetings will be held with various vendors including Burgos Public Market vendors today; Central Market vendors on Thursday, August 8; Libertad Market vendors on Sunday, August 11; and sidewalk vendors on August 14.
The mayor appealed to the affected vendors for understanding and cooperation./DGB, WDJ