GINGOOG CITY — Motorists and pedestrians passing near the Agora Public Market may face slower traffic after vendors and improperly parked vehicles were found occupying parts of Doña Graciana Street during an inspection Wednesday, Sept. 16.
A team led by City Administrator Dr. Enrique Guevarra inspected the busy road in Barangay 20, where sidewalk vendors were found occupying almost one lane.
The team also observed private vehicles, including large vans, parked improperly or overlapping portions of the roadway.
Police personnel who joined the inspection reminded mobile vendors that selling or displaying goods along the road could obstruct vehicles and other road users.
The inspection included City DILG Director Rey Gilbert B. Capricho, City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CDRRMO) Head Marlon Pajo, traffic enforcers, police personnel and Barangay 20 officials.
Capricho said the activity was part of the implementation of Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) directives on clearing public roads of obstructions.
The DILG’s April 2024 policies include Memorandum Circular No. 2024-053, which provides for the nationwide implementation of Barangay Road Clearing Operations (BaRCO).
Barangay Kagawad Armando Mamba said local officials have also been reminding vendors and other road occupants to follow regulations and keep the roadway clear.
Some vendors, however, told the inspection team that they pay annual fees amounting to thousands of pesos to the city government for their vending activities.
The inspection was conducted to assess road obstructions, parking practices and other traffic concerns along the busy market area.
