Ermita starts clearing roads of traffic blocks

CEBU, Philippines — Sidewalk vending, illegal operation of trisikads, illegal extension of stores, and illegal parking on sidewalks.

These are contributory factors to worsening road congestion problems.

To alleviate congestion in Barangay Ermita, the home of Cebu City’s Carbon Public Market, the local government unit (LGU) has started yesterday clearing the roads and sidewalks of these obstructions.

Ermita Barangay Captain Mark Miral said the clearing operations were in compliance with the directive of the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG).

DILG Memorandum Circular No. 2019-121 mandates LGUs to clear public roads used as parking spaces and vending areas.

“Gi-strikto nato ang implementation bahala’g masuko sila (vendors, trisikad drivers and stall owners, among others),” said Miral.

He said the affected people were convened and informed about the clearing operations prior to yesterday’s implementation.

He said the illegal structures and activities aggravate the congestion in the main and interior roads in the barangays.

“We enforce laws and orders to help ease road congestions. We have one goal and that is for the betterment of all. We hope people understand that,” he said.

Miral said the next clearing operations will be done on M.C. Briones Street.

He said sidewalk vendors and trisikad drivers are obstructing the street.

Also, illegal parking, which impedes the flow of traffic, is rampant there, he added.

The clearing operations are in coordination with the city’s Prevention, Restoration, Order, Beautification and Enhancement (PROBE) team.

On Saturday, the PROBE team conducted clearing operations on Plaridel Street.

In a recent meeting between the barangay officials and Plaridel vendors, the parties agreed to implement the “no parking” policy on Plaridel Street from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.  — Jebert A. Sarsonas, CNU Intern, KBQ (FREEMAN)