Most of downtown free from pushcarts

CEBU, Philippines - Personnel of the Squatter Prevention Encroachment and Elimination Division (SPEED), the former demolition team of Cebu City Hall, have been instructed to continue the campaign to clear the sidewalks despite reports that the downtown area is already predominantly free from pushcarts and other kinds of rolling stores.

Vice Mayor Michael Rama earlier instructed the personnel assigned to Team Sugbo —tasked to help in clearing the sidewalks of any obstacles— to intensify apprehending these pushcarts, particularly if these will be abandoned in the sidewalks at night.

But in other streets of the city, particularly near the Carbon Market, the sidewalk is still littered with ambulant vendors and their pushcarts and makeshift stalls.

“Singoton ta og liko-liko nga maglakaw sa pagpangita og kaagian kay ang aseras napuno sa mga sidewalk vendors,” said Zenaida dela Cruz, 65, of barangay Mabolo.

Dozens of pushcarts owned by sidewalk vendors were seized by the City Hall personnel and these were released only after its owners paid the corresponding fines of P300 to the City Treasurer’s Office.

“Mihunong na lang g’yod sila paggamit og pushcarts kay kon madakpan imbis makaginansya maalkanse pa hinuon kay makalukat na man sa ilang kariton,” a sidewalk vendor said.

At one point, a ponkan vendor not only had his pushcart placed near a corner but also had his product boxes scattered all over the sidewalk. This led some pedestrians to walk on the road, causing vehicular traffic to halt. 

Efren Minoza of barangay Labangon, interviewed by The FREEMAN yesterday while about to cross Colon St., said: “Maayo g’yod nga kanunayon sa City Hall ang paghimo’g kampanya.” — Rene U. Borromeo/BRP (THE FREEMAN)