Labella to ease up clearing operations after DILG deadline

Cebu City has moved the displaced sidewalk vendors to the Tabo sa Banay on F. Gonzales Street on Sept. 28, 2019, in line with the directive of the Department of Interior and Local Government for all local governments to clear their streets of vendors by Sept. 30, 2019. CDN Digital photo | Delta Dyrecka Letigio

CEBU CITY, Philippines — Cebu City Mayor Edgardo Labella said the clearing of sidewalk vendors will ease up following the lapse of 60-day deadline of the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) for the clearing of the streets on Monday, September 30, 2019. 

Labella said he has discussed the plight of the vendors to Senator Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Go and how the vendors suffered through the clearing operations, with at least 800 vendors in Cebu City losing their spots. 

Read: Opposition councilor to Labella: Find place for displaced sidewalk vendors

The senator told Labella that the city may ease the clearing operations as relocations sites are being set. 

Labella said that while they have to slow down the clearing operations while alternative space is prepared, the city cannot exactly allow the sidewalk vendors to stay forever. 

“Mohinay atong operations pero dili mohunong. (We will ease the clearing operations but we will not stop),” said Labella. 

Read: Sidewalk vendors to Cebu City gov’t, DILG: Don’t deprive us of livelihood

As of now, only two relocation sites have been identified. They are the Tabo sa Banay at F. Gonzales Street and the Senior Citizen’s Park. Both areas fit 300 vendors. 

For the rest of the 500 vendors, Labella said he wants to establish a night market as this has been the trend among Asian countries. 

Read: Labella unaffected by vendors protest; to continue implementation of no sidewalk vending policy

The mayor said the city would be heartless if it would mindlessly continue with the clearing operations without providing alternative space or even alternative livelihood to the displaced vendors.  /bmjo