Illegal peddlers from Visayas apprehended, aided to return home

The city government through the Office of the City Social Welfare and Development Officer provided assistance to the 65 ambulant vendors from cities in the Visayas who were apprehended for illegal peddling  during the Panagbenga grand parade last Feb. 25, 2023 for them to safely go back home.

Mayor Benjamin Magalong said that the OCSWDO headed by OCSWD Officer Liza Bulayungan saw to it that the 65 vendors who came from Cebu and Bacolod cities had clearly got home safely to their families.

The city also made sure that they had a clear understanding of their violations and were given guidance on how they can legally ply their trade in the city in the future.

Bulayungan said the vendors were endorsed by the Public Order and Safety Division (POSD) after they were apprehended for violation of Section 143 of the city’s Tax Ordinance which prohibits itinerant vendors.

The POSD beforehand gave them an orientation on the city’s tax ordinance and were informed of their option to organize themselves and properly secure the necessary permit so they can sell their merchandise in the city in the future.

Bulayungan said the city provided food assistance to the vendors since their financial resources had been exhausted.

Of the 65, there were 30 who needed assistance to get back home thus coordination was made with the Dept. of Social Welfare and Development Cordillera (DSWD-CAR) for the provision of transportation assistance to cover their bus ticket in going to Manila.

Parallel coordination activities were also made with the Cebu local government for the provision of assistance to the 12 residents for their transportation from Manila to Cebu City; with the Bacolod LGU through their Assistance for Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS) for the transportation of 18 individuals from Manila to Bacolod City; and with the CSWDO of Manila for provision of necessary assistance to the clients while waiting for their sea fare tickets.  – Aileen P. Refuerzo