GASA set to clear Fuente sidewalks

CEBU, Philippines - Cebu City’s Garbo Asenso Sumbanan Alyansa (GASA) will push through with the clearing of sidewalk vendors in Fuente Osmeña to give way to the city’s beautification project.

By this, GASA rejected the request of the Cebu City Council to reconsider the plan after the affected vendors came to the council requesting for intervention.

GASA requested the council not to encourage the vendors to defy the notice to clear sidewalk of obstructions.

Dr. Lucelle Mercado, Chairperson of GASA, said that the vendors have been informed and were given several notices about the impending clearing operation.

The vendors were even called twice to a meeting for a repeat consultation, but the vendors, allegedly ignored the invitation.

Mercado said they called for another meeting to, once and for all, clarify and resolve their concerns.

For the apparent lack of interest to coordinate with the GASA office, Mercado said they will proceed with the clearing operation this week.

Mercado said a relocation has been prepared for them at the Ramos Public Market.

There are about 10 vendors occupying the sidewalk of Bank of Commerce and CUPSI Laboratory in Fuente Osmeña that will be affected. They will be relocated for the widening and beautification of Osmeña Boulevard.

 The vendors, however appealed not be ejected from the area because they have been there for 20 or more years.

They said they also had the consent of the establishment to vend in that area and they also help secure the area against negative elements.  (FREEMAN)