Fate of ex-Pier 3 vendors hanging on a thread

CEBU, Philippines – The Cebu City Market Authority, Department of Public Works and Highways, and officials of Barangay Tinago are expected to discuss today the plight of vendors occupying Arellano Boulevard who will be affected by an impending road widening project.

Market officials have invited DPWH District Engineer Nicomedes Leonor, Tinago officials headed by Barangay Captain Domingo Lopez to attend the market authority's regular meeting today. No less than the Tinago officials earlier asked the city government to allow members of the Port Area Vendors Association to occupy the area along Arellano Boulevard near V. Sotto Street permanently after port authorities demolished their stalls at the entrance of Pier 3.

Former mayor Tomas Osmeña had approved the request, however, the vendors recently received notices from DPWH that their present location will be affected by the widening of Arellano Boulevard.

Tinago officials protested to the move and asked Mayor Michael Rama to allow the vendors to continue staying at their present location. 

"The demolition of the stalls in the relocation site as demanded by the DPWH would ruin the considerable investment of the barangay in partnership with their association not to mention the loss of livelihood of the vendors and also result in loss of income of the barangay," the Tinago officials said. 

Arellano Boulevard, the road parallel to the port area along barangays San Roque and Tinago, used to be very wide, but squatters have encroached substantial portions on both sides, making it difficult for motorists to navigate the road. (FREEMAN)