MMDA clears vendors near schools

The Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) started yesterday clearing illegal vendors and other obstruction from sidewalks near public and private schools to protect students from the dangers of dirty street food.

MMDA personnel seized illegal stalls and pushcarts with street food and other items to clear road obstruction and improve traffic around school premises.

Clearing operations were conducted at the Commonwealth High School in Quezon City, while other operations will be conducted in other schools in the metropolis.

MMDA Traffc Enforcement group (TEG) chief Bobby Esquivel said students should be protected from the dangers of eating street food and drinks sold by ambulant vendors that do not practice proper hygiene.

Esquivel said both public and private schools have canteens where students can buy food and be assured of healthy and clean meals and drinks.

He also reminded illegal vendors that all items confiscated during clearing operations are destroyed on site.

Esquivel, who also is also head of the MMDA’s Sidewalk Clearing Operations Group, explained that he also feels bad when they destroy carts, stalls, and items seized from illegal vendors during sidewalk clearing operations, but the operation is needed to show the vendors that the MMDA is serious in implementing traffic rules.

He said MMDA personnel are not allowed to take any item and keep it for themselves because doing so would mean possible dismissal from the service.

Esquivel said many MMDA employees have been dismissed after they were found guilty of taking home items confiscated during clearing operations.

He warned the MMDA clearing team members not to commit illegal activities that they will definitely regret.