Isko warns of Fusion Alley shutdown

MANILA, Philippines — Mayor Isko Moreno warned that Sampaloc’s popular food strip Fusion Alley will be closed if the complaints on waste in the area persist.

Moreno called the vendors to a consultation at the city hall on Thursday to discuss the complaints, which include noise, odor and waste in the vicinity.

“My warning was clear. If I see them being dirty and untidy, I would not hesitate to shut it down. I support people’s livelihoods, but there must also be order, cleanliness and discipline,” Moreno said.

A student earlier raised in a forum the concerns of residents about the inconvenience caused by Fusion Alley.

Moreno initially defended the food strip, citing the opportunities it has given to vendors to “become millionaires.”

“It created an opportunity, business. All that I am asking of them is for the street to be usable and passable in the morning,” he said.

Moreno tasked Manila’s department of environment and public services to conduct regular flushing operations to get rid of foul odor and other wastes.

“As I have said before, even if only one person raises a complaint, we listen. But, I also understand the aspirations of our fellow Filipinos who are trying to earn a living,” Moreno said.