The Bacolod City government held a dialogue earlier this week at the Bacolod City Government Center with sidewalk vendors from across the city, where the latter were informed they have until Saturday, August 31, to transfer to the Bacolod Vendors’ Plaza. According to Executive Assistant Ernesto Pineda, those who have already demolished their structures and proceeded with relocation have been validated by the City Administrator’s Office.
Vendors who complied early were permitted to move into the plaza yesterday.
Bacolod City Mayor Evelio Leonardia discussed the city’s ongoing growth.
“We are doing our best to be able to find new markets for the vendors,” he said.
The mayor pointed out, there are properties in Barangays Alijis and Mansilingan that could serve as potential markets to accommodate for displaced vendors.
Last September, the Bacolod Vendors’ Plaza was the focus of attention after a small hut constructed within the facility was reportedly being used as a drug den.
At the time, Barangay 12 Captain Ely Alcantara confirmed they raided the area and caught several people in the act of using illegal drugs.
Also present for the dialogue were city administrator, Atty. John Orola; city legal officer, Atty. Joselito Bayatan; administrative officer, Atty. Allyn Luv Zamora-Dignadice; Bacolod Traffic Authority Office head, Lt. Colonel Luisito Acebuche; various city councilors; among others./WDJ