Vendors approve new system for Sinulog stalls

CEBU, Philippines — A more organized Sinulog procession route was observed as ambulant vendors complied with the city’s new registration scheme.

As registered Sinulog vendors begin selling goods yesterday, some of them expressed their approval of the city’s move to cluster them according to stations so as not to obstruct the streets and sidewalks.

“Mas hapsay ron, dili mi magtago-tago sa mga manakopay kay dili man kuhaon amo mga paninda,” said John Vasquez, a mascara vendor. (It is better and more organized now.)

According to Vasquez, because of the new system, commotions among vendors were avoided.

Despite Mayor Tomas Osmeña’s previous pronouncements that water vendors do not need to register, Ryan, a water vendor for 6 years, still heed to the policy to ensure that authorities will not go after him and his group.

“Nanigurado lang gyud mi para dili mi dakpon ug makapaninda mi bisag asa basta dili lang mi makasamok sa mga rota sa Sinulog,” said Ryan. (We registered so we can be sure that they will not apprehend us and confiscate our goods.)

Although in favor of the change, Bibing, a rice cake vendor, expressed her dismay upon knowing that their assigned cluster was occupied by other vendors.

“ Okay ra man kayo ning permit, ang amo lang is walay klaro. Wala mi naplastar sa amo jud unta lugar. Wala man sad ang manakopay mag-ala una na lang,” she said.

However, there are other vendors who prefer the old practice in order to accommodate those who want to sell during Sinulog, especially those who are not from Cebu.

With the new policy, ambulant vendors are off limits within the Basilica del Sto. Niño and Sinulog major routes.

According to Division for the Welfare of the Urban Poor (DWUP) operations head Genevieve Alcoseba, there are 3,000 registered vendors dispersed on the streets.

A maximum tolerance will be observed by the demolition team which will warn vendors in their first two offenses and a confiscation of materials in their succeeding offense, said Alcoseba.

Alcoseba also reminded all unregistered pilgrims who came to Cebu to sell Sinulog goods to set up their stalls properly.

“Katong mga devotees na walay permit ato gi-hangyo nga dili mopaduol sa routes . .. modistansya gyud,” she said.  (Those devotees who do not have permits, I’m asking them to stay away from the Sinulog route.)

Alcoseba said consideration is given to pilgrims because it is hard for them to comply considering the places that they come from.

Registered ambulant vendors will be on their designated clusters until tomorrow’s Sinulog Grand Parade. (FREEMAN)