Mayor Alfredo Abelardo Benitez said on Monday, Dec. 11, that vendors will not be allowed to set up stalls on sidewalks surrounding the Bacolod City Public plaza next year.
These will be the last permits issued to vendors to sell their goods in the area, he said, referring to their current presence until Jan. 8.
The mayor was reacting to numerous complaints that the plaza and its Christmas lights can no longer be seen because of the stalls, many of which look like shanties, that have been set up around it.
Benitez said he will talk to the Diocese of Bacolod that leases its side of the plaza to raise funds for its Domus Dei or home for retired priests.
“We will have to find a way to help (the Diocese of Bacolod) without their relying on the rentals of the vendors,” he added.
Maybe the city councilors can enact an ordinance to ensure that no vending is allowed around the plaza, Benitez said.
Benitez said he has submitted the proposal for the improvement of the Bacolod Public Plaza and Bacolod City Government Center grounds to Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco for funding assistance.
The proposed improvement of the plaza will cost P80 million and the BCGC grounds – P220 million. It will include improvement of water fountains and lighting, Benitez said.*