Clearing operations continue in Pasil

CEBU, Philippines — The Cebu City government yesterday continued with its cleanup and clearing operations of illegal structures along the roads, this time at Pasil Market Phase 1 and 2, and Pasil Fish Port.

City Market Administrator Jonil Matuguina said 15 stalls were cleared during the operation and most of them are fish vending stalls.

“Gani nakaguba mi ug gamay nga shanty unya naay drug paraphernalia nga among nakit-an,” Matuguina said.

He added that the affected vendors were already informed prior to the clearing and cleanup operations.

He also added the cleanup and the clearing operations were in coordination with the City Environmental and Natural Resources Office (CENRO), Prevention Restoration Order  Beautification and Enhancement, Bantay Dagat and also the neighboring Barangays of Quiot, Pasil, Cogon Pardo, Suba and other concerned organizations.

“Nauwaw ko nga market administrator ko ba nya baling hugawa,” Matuguina said

He added he is following the directive of the mayor to make Cebu markets clean, organized and safe.

He said that the next areas to clean include the creeks beside the Pasil Fish Port, then they would proceed to Carbon Market, specifically along Calderon Street, where illegal vendors and parked vehicles are reportedly occupying the roads.

Matuguina said the clearing operation will also benefit the vendors because more customers would visit the place if the traffic situation is smooth.

“Ang makasulbad gyud ani dili gobyerno kay bisan na ug kada adlaw mag limpyo ang gobyerno nya dili mobuhat sila sa ilang part, dili sila manglimpyo, magbalik-balik gyud ning problemaha,” Matuguina said.

He added that they are planning together with CCENRO to give penalty for those who will violate.

“Ug dili sila mopatuo sa atong badlong, i-confiscate nato ang item unya nagsabot nami sa CCENRO.  Siguro we will give penalty nila, not in money form, ato silang pa limpyohon,” Matuguina said.

Evelyn Arnaiz, 45, a fish vendor, whose stall was among the 15 that were cleared, said she was not aware that there was a clearing operation.  She, however, said she will just follow because this is for the betterment of the public market and the roads.

She hoped that the city government will help them secure a proper place for vending so that they can start earning money to sustain their daily needs.

“Maglisod na mi ug asa mi mangita ug para pag kaon namo kay ang among pangita wala naman,” Arnaiz said. — Jebert A. Sarsonas, CNU Intern/GAN (FREEMAN)