• THERESA MAE DULMAN
The Bacolod City government officially issued special permits to 18 flower vendors near the public plaza on Wednesday, February 18, marking the first time the group has operated with formal legal documentation.
The recipients are all members of the Bacolod City Flower Vendors Association, many of whom have sold flowers without official permits or legal standing for years.
City Administrator Atty. Mark Mayo said on Thursday that these permits are valid for 2 months and are renewable for also 2 months, following a resolution approved by the Sangguniang Panlungsod.
Mayo noted that the vendors themselves requested the documentation because many clients now look for business permits before making purchases.
Mayor Greg Gasataya has ordered a re-survey of the property, specifically the Bacolod Arts and Youth Sports Center, covered by a lease agreement between the city government and SM Prime.
Initial information suggests the vendors’ current area may not be part of the leased property. Mayo assured the vendors that they will remain in their current spots.
The city administrator added that the group requested for a permanent relocation area where they do not need to have special permits.*
