Eye Opener
Do we need MMDA-like demolishers in Iloilo City?
Hundreds of TV viewers saw yesterday how the MMDA (Metro Manila Development Authority) demolishers swooped down on sidewalk vendors in Recto-Quiapo area to redeem the sidewalk for the pedestrians as well as commuters. MMDA demolishing teams dismantled makeshift kiosks of sidewalk vendors selling all sorts of merchandise. Sidewalk vendors mostly women and even old men yelled at the government demolishers as their wares were carried to awaiting trucks. Amidst shouting, wailing and crying from the aggrieved merchants, the MMDA proceeded to other places in Metro Manila particularly Divisoria, Recto and Baclaran, where many sidewalk vendors obstruct the smooth flow of traffic. As a result of the unrelenting drive against these road obstructions, students, tourists, commuters and employees can now proceed to their destination via unobstructed sidewalks and passages.
The News Today, in its Bantay Kalye section, featured similar illegal structures sitting on the sidewalks and public passage ways in the city obstructing pedestrians and motorists. In Mandurriao district along Ninoy Aquino highway, some illegally constructed stores were already demolished, well done city demolishers! But along Lopez Jaena street, Jaro, going to Central Philippine University (CPU), bold Lopez-Jaena merchants and house owners built hollow block-finished stores along public sidewalks obstructing the free passage of students hiking from school to their homes because of increased jeepney fare. Lopez Jaena Street, named after national hero Graciano Lopez Jaena, is a very strategic highway as the 103-year old CPU is a tourist spot. How shameful it is to see along the road to the Jaro's tourist spot, many illegally-constructed stores and improvised home-like stores where some business owners have reportedly made them their dwelling unit. Not only in Lopez Jaena Street Jaro, where eyesore edifices exist. Many eyesore areas are also existing in highway roads in La Paz, Molo, Arevalo and Mandurriao and City Mayor Treñas has to see for himself many illegally sidewalk stores and huts. The City Treasurer's Office is also requested to see if these illegal stores reportedly earning P3,000 sales a day have business permits. Do we need an MMDA-like demolishers in Iloilo City? Many well-meaning citizens are asking. No, if only the City Engineer's Office will perform their sworn function properly and upon the prodding of our beloved City Mayor Jerry Treñas!
We love and sympathize with sidewalk vendors and merchants but they should be relocated in a place where students and commuters are not obstructed, even vehicles. The city government should properly relocate them to continue their small-time business as life today is difficult. Pray to God that city officials and city councilors will help you find a good place to conduct your business.