MANILA, Philippines – The Quezon City government may allow illegal vendors who will be relocated inside public markets to use market stalls rent-free for a few months, Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte said on Wednesday.
According to Belmonte, the measure is being considered by the city government in order to help the vendors to legally recover their livelihood.
“I’m willing to waive the rent for a few months to get them started inside a legal venue to sell their products,” Belmonte said in an interview with Radyo Inquirer.
“‘Yong mga illegal vendors they’re still residents of Quezon City, and they have families too, I would like to treat them humanely. Gusto ko sana magkaroon ng talakayan, kung hindi sila pwede sa mga illegal areas like sidewalks, baka naman pwede natin silang i-pasok sa mga palengke natin,” she added.
Belmonte’s statements came a day after personnel from the city’s Department of Public Order and Safety and the city Environment Protection and Waste Management Department conducted clearing operations at the Balintawak Market against illegal street vendors.
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Belmonte clarified that they have talked with the illegal vendors before the clearing operations, to make sure that the livelihood of the displaced vendors will not be affected.
“Oo, pero ang ginawa ko, I called a meeting with all of the public order and safety agencies […] but siguro ang pagkakaiba ko is that I have the social services department with that group,” she said.
“Apart from that, gusto ko i-document nang mabuti […] ‘yong mga illegal vendors because we might be able to provide alternative sources of livelihood for them,” she explained.
The clearing of illegal street vendors and garbage along EDSA at the Balintawak Market, opened-up two lanes to vehicular traffic, especially the southbound lane going to Cubao.
Clearing operations on streets around public markets have also been undertaken by other local governments in Metro Manila.
In Manila, Mayor Isko Moreno has launched a drive to clear the streets near major markets of illegal street vendors and other obstructions. The clearing operations have led to the opening-up of Carriedo, Quiapo, the Quinta Market area, Blumentritt, and Divisioria to pedestrians and motorists. (Editor: Mike U. Frialde)
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