- Agdao sidewalk vendors seek Baste’s help to continue selling amid regular demolition
AROUND 75 members of the Agdao Laray Muslim and Christian Vendors Association (Almacva) called on Mayor Sebastian Duterte to give them a dedicated space and time to sell their products without being disturbed.
The vendors convened in Rizal Park on Thursday, Nov. 21, to petition the city government to uphold their right to livelihood.
“Buot namong ipaabot sa imong opisina nga duna kami kalisdanan sa pagpaninda ug pagpanginabuhi tungod sa regular nga clearing operation o demolisyon batok sa mga vendor ug informal workers palibot sa palengke ning siyudad, apil na ang Agdao market (We want to let your office know that we find it difficult to eke out a living due to the regular clearing operation and demolition against the vendors and informal workers surrounding the Agdao Public Market),” the letter of Almacva to Duterte read.
Almacva president Rachel Jamio told reporters they have been “harassed” by the demolition team even when they pay a certain amount required before they are allowed to sell.
“Harasson oy, mao ganing mangalabay among mga tinda. Maglikay nalang pud mi nga dili makuha among mga tinda, maong among siguroon (They harass us, that’s why our goods go to waste. We just make sure they couldn’t confiscate our stuff),” she said.
She added that even if they may claim their goods after paying P150 and signing an affidavit, they can only do so every Wednesday. So, if the items are confiscated from Thursday to Saturday, their products will no longer be fresh.
Jamio shared that an officer from the City Treasurer’s Office collects P10 from each vendor.
The vendors display their goods including fish, fruits, and vegetables from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. along Soliman Street, Barangay Kapitan Tomas Monteverde Sr., Agdao District.
“Amoa lang unta pangayoon sa kang mayor oras, pagtugot ug lugar nga makatinda mi nga di na mi bugawon, amoa lang unta han-ay among pagtinda kay among kapital inutang ra pud namo (We only want a time and place to sell without being chased away because we only borrowed money for our capital),” Jamio said.
She said some association members tried to sell inside the public market but stopped due to the expensive rental fee.
Jamio said they are requesting to be allowed to display at least 200 meters away or even farther to prevent conflict with registered vendors inside the Agdao Public Market.
