Street, school vendors illegal, RTA declares

By LITO RULONA
Correspondent

Official of the Roads and Traffic Administration (RTA) has declared illegal all ambulant vendors selling outside and a few meters from private and public school premises.

Hapsay Dalan Chair and RTA Consultant Atty. Jose Edgardo Uy told City Councilor Malou Gaane, chair of the Committee on Health and Sanitation during its recent meeting that ambulant vendors have been considered as illegal structures.

“Dili man gyud kini sila allowed to stay in all areas particularly public places like roads,” he said.

He said outside and areas along school premises are considered as public places and under the city ordinance, ambulant or sidewalk vendors are not allowed to ply their wares in an extended period of time.

“Selling within 50-meters from schools is just like tolerating them to sell. Under the law, they are not allowed to stay on the public places and streets. Illegal man gyud ang ilang operation specially along Don Apolinar Velez Street near City Central School,” he added.

The move to prohibit ambulant vendors near school premises is in compliance with issued guidelines on food safety in school canteens, as contained in DepEd Order No. 52, s. 2008.

The order instructs schools division superintendents to oversee the effective management of school canteens. It underscores the responsibility of the school principal for any untoward incident that may happen in school due to non-compliance with school health policies and food safety guidelines.