• THERESA MAE DULMAN
The Bacolod Sangguniang Panlungsod has granted a three-month special permit to vendors operating near the Bacolod Memorial Park, while city and barangay officials search for a permanent public market site in Barangay Alijis.
The demolition of stalls in the area was originally scheduled for March 30, however, the SP approved a resolution during its session last March 18, to provide the vendors with a temporary permit.
Councilor Dindo Ramos, chair of the Committee on Laws, said that the affected business owners are sidewalk vendors previously organized by the barangay.
The special permit serves as a temporary measure while a permanent location is finalized.
Ramos currently has a pending proposed ordinance aimed at establishing a formal public market in Barangay Alijis.
According to Ramos, his proposed ordinance stipulates that the barangay will initiate the search for a suitable lot in coordination with the city government and the national government through the congressional office to provide funds for land acquisition.
“This temporary arrangement provides vendors the opportunity to earn a living while the process for their permanent location is underway,” Ramos said.
He noted that despite being one of the largest barangays in Bacolod, Alijis currently lacks its own public market.*
