Night vendors may go back to their old places-Treñas
Iloilo City -- Touched by the vendors' woes relative to the city's Night Market Ordinance, Mayor Jerry Treñas has decided to give them the option to go back to their old places or remain at the Night Market area in Muelle Loney Street.
This came after several night market vendors went to the office of Mayor Treñas Tuesday morning to ask for a reconsideration.
The meeting was purposely set to assess the newly implemented Night Market Ordinance sponsored by Councilor Jed Patrick Mabilog. The said meeting took more than two hours before the said option for the vendors was agreed upon.
In an interview, Treñas said the vendors complained of meager sales since they were transferred to the night market area contrary to the statement issued by Mabilog days after the night market ordinance was implemented.
Mabilog claimed the vendors gained much at the night market compared when they were still in their original locations.
After the consultation Treñas decided that those vendors who want to continue staying at the night market area can remain while those vendors who want to return to their original places can go back.
Treñas admitted they could not just act deaf and blind on the complaints of the vendors since it involves people's livelihood. Nevertheless, the chief executive said the Night Market will remain under experimental status.
The mayor also assured the vendors that no personnel from the City Engineer's Office (CEO) will demolish their stalls should they opt to return to their old locations.
It was noted that may people flocked to the Night Market area during its opening however it was due to the show offered by a television network.
In the succeeding nights when there was no more entertainment the vendors observed that only a few people go to the Night Market area.
Mabilog for his part said the impact of the Night Market could yet be ascertained as it was just implemented.
He said the Night Market committee is on the process of instituting amendments to the ordinance in order to address the initial problems brought about by its implementation.