QC to implement ‘zero vendor’ policy

The Quezon City government will implement next week a "zero vendor" policy along the stretch of Commonwealth Avenue from Mangahan to the Litex- Doña Carmen area in Fairview.

Quezon City Mayor Feliciano Belmonte Jr. has directed Tadeo Palma, Novaliches district center officer-in-charge, to implement the scheme aimed at resolving traffic congestion and sanitation woes caused by illegal vendors on both sides of the highway.

Palma said this will be biggest clamp down on illegal vendors along Commonwealth Avenue.

Under the directive, the massive clearing operation will start with serving of notices before the actual implementation of the policy on Feb. 16.

"Pedestrians, especially school children, have the right to walk safely and without any obstruction on sidewalks," the mayor told city officials assigned to carry out the anti-illegal vendor operation.

Legitimate vendors, or those renting stalls at the Commonwealth Market, have been complaining about activities of illegal vendors.

"It’s unfair competition for the legitimate businesses in the area," Palma said.

Teams from the Quezon City Police District and the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority will join forces with City Hall’s Department of Public Order and Safety, Environment Protection and Waste Management Department, Market Development and Administration Department and the Traffic Management Group in clearing the area.