THE City Government of Bacolod extended the deadline for the Pala-Pala market vendors at San Juan Street to vacate the area until the construction of Ayala Land Inc. will be finished.
Acting Mayor El Cid Familiaran said on Monday, October 1, that he had a meeting with the 33 vendors on Friday after they received a notice to vacate from the City Legal Office (CLO).
He said in May, the provincial government had directed them to relocate their stalls along San Juan Street to give way to the construction of the Negros First Food Terminal Market.
But it was decided to transfer them temporarily to the San Juan Street, fronting the Pala-Pala Market.
"They (vendors) were only allowed to stay in the area until September 30, but since the construction of Negros First Food Terminal is not yet finished, they asked our assistance if we can extend them to stay in the area," he added.
Familiaran noted the provincial government developed the area which includes a four-storey mall and a four-storey office building that will open in December.
"The vendors can stay in the area until the construction of the Ayala Land Inc. will be finished," Familiaran said.
He said the CLO Enforcement Team only regulate them (vendors) so they cannot cause traffic in the area.
Mayor Evelio Leonardia had earlier ordered an executive order creating a special committee to address the matter concerning the stall owners at the Pala-Pala Market.
Leonardia also tasked Familiaran as chairperson of the special committee.
He said there is an urgent need to address this matter as it affects the daily subsistence and needs of the families of the affected stall owners. (MAP)