Manila bats for organized vending

Manila Mayor Lito Atienza urged other local government units yesterday to organize a vending program in their localities, which he said could substantially contribute to city development.

Atienza made the call yesterday as he inaugurated an organized vending area on P. Guevarra street behind beside Central Market in Sta. Cruz.

"The continuing success of this program affirms our belief that vending is a positive economic force that could contribute substantially to our city’s development as long as it is properly organized," Atienza said.

The city government has established organized vending program in seven areas in Manila such as Villalobos, Carriedo and Hidalgo streets in Quiapo, Trece de Agosto and Dart streets in Paco, Bustillos in Sampaloc.

Uniform in size and design, each stall has a tabular steel frame, multiple shelves and tarpaulin roofing. Each vendor gets a permit and pays the city government P20 a day.

Except for Carriedo, all stalls are situated on both sides of the street, with the sidewalks clear of any obstruction.

Atienza said an organized vending program also protects vendors from corrupt cops, who charge protection money ranging from P50 to P300 a day. – Cecille Suerte Felipe