Bacolod grants 222 vendors special Undas selling permits

BACOLOD CITY — The city government has issued special temporary permits to 222 vendors selling flowers, food, and other goods in designated areas during the observance of All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day on Nov. 1 and 2, respectively.

The permits were distributed during a ceremony led by City Administrator Mark Steven Mayo and Councilor Celia Flor at the Bacolod City Government Center (BCGC) on Thursday, Oct. 29, providing local vendors an opportunity to earn additional income for their families.

The special temporary permits are valid from Oct. 29 to Nov. 2, covering the five-day Undas observance.

Mayor Greg Gasataya met with the vendors and assured them that the permits would allow them to operate in designated areas without worry while helping maintain safety and order around cemeteries.

“What is important is that the city ensures everything is in order for you,” Gasataya told the vendors, assuring them of the city government’s support and protection.

“We believe that every opportunity to sell here is a big help to your families,” the mayor said.

The city government earlier designated temporary vending areas near the Burgos, Handumanan, and Granada public cemeteries, as well as selected locations around the Bacolod Public Plaza and Libertad Market.

The designated spaces are intended to accommodate seasonal vendors while preventing stalls from obstructing pedestrian access and traffic flow during the expected influx of cemetery visitors.

Executive Assistant Ariel Guides reminded vendors to keep their identification cards and permits readily available for regular inspections and to maintain cleanliness in their designated selling areas.

Meanwhile, Executive Assistant April Rose Mayo said vendors must dismantle their stalls and remove their belongings from the designated spaces by Nov. 3.

She also reminded vendors to dispose of waste properly and observe the “Clean As You Go” (CLAYGO) policy throughout their operations.

The temporary vending program seeks to balance livelihood opportunities for small businesses with the city’s efforts to maintain cleanliness, public safety, and order during the Undas observance.