IN relocating the ambulant vendors away from JR Borja and Capt. Vicente Roa Streets in Cogon, Cagayan de Oro City Mayor Rolando ‘Klarex’ Uy asked for their understanding and cooperation while reminding them to comply with traffic laws.
“Despite the fact that there are traffic laws to follow, I allowed you to stay where you were hoping you will cooperate with us. I understood your situation but in the four months and a half that I gave you the chance to cooperate, you didn’t reciprocate our compassion. Due to mounting complaints from the riding public because of your negligence, I have no choice (but to follow the law),” Mayor Uy told the ambulant vendors in Visayan during the first of a two-day briefing today.
During his Friday program ‘Ang Inyong Alagad: Mayor Klarex Uy’, Mayor Uy said the vendors will be grouped according to the products they sell like fruits and ukay-ukay (thrift clothing).
City Hall scheduled a two-day briefing from Nov. 22 to Nov. 23 with over 1,000 ambulant vendors who will be assigned lots through raffling. On Thursday this week, the vendors are expected to sell at their new location.
In his dialogue with the ambulant vendors, Mayor Uy reminded them that his administration gave them every chance to earn their livelihood in compliance with traffic laws.
“I learned about some complaints but probably those who did complain may not be from Cagayan de Oro City or those who didn’t attend this briefing. Before complaining, please follow the law first,” Mayor Uy told the vendors in Visayan.
Mayor Uy also asked the vendors to make their new arrangements work because it may even be advantageous to them long term.
“I understand that you’re used to getting your way but you should also think of others (like your fellow vendors, the stallholders, and the riding public),” Mayor Uy told the vendors in Visayan.
If they have complaints, Mayor Uy added a grievance committee is set up to address their concerns.
Mayor Uy also reminded the vendors to strictly observe the boundaries assigned to their lots.
“Let’s not place big tents or folding beds to expand your allotted space. The folding beds are for sleeping, not for placing your products for selling. You’re not giving others the chance to sell. We’ll help you but you should also help yourself and help us by following the law. All of this is for your benefit too,” Mayor Uy said in Visayan.
Prior to the two-day briefing, the City Economic Enterprises Department (CEED) conducted a profiling of all ambulant vendors selling in the Cogon market area, particularly along JR Borja and Capt. Vicente Roa Streets.
“You requested that you be located in Cogon market, we accommodated you and the new location will be near the market. But you won’t get to decide on your own where to sell,” Mayor Uy told the vendors in Visayan.
On Nov. 15, Mayor Uy met with the CEED, the Roads and Traffic Administration, the Cagayan de Oro City Police Office, the City Engineering Office, and barangay officials to finalize plans for the relocation of the ambulant vendors.
The relocation is also in line with Mayor Uy’s plans to set up the Night Market. Guidelines were also set for vendors to follow, he said. (Stephen Capillas of City Information Office)
