CEBU, Philippines — Food concessionaires and the likes will be allowed inside the Cebu City Sports Center (CCSC) during the staging of the Sinulog sa Kabataan sa Lalawigan on January 14 but not for free.
Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama also ordered the clearing of vendors at Plaza Sugbo where the Magellan’s Cross is to ensure a smooth flow for devotees of Señor Santo Niño.
This was relayed by Cebu City Vice Mayor Raymond Garcia to Governor Gwendolyn Garcia during their ocular inspection and coordination meeting at CCSC last Sunday night right after the conclusion of the GUV’s Cup in Talisay City.
This came after the Cebu Provincial Government asked the Cebu City Government earlier to allow vendors inside the venue for public convenience.
Aside from food stalls, the Governor, according to Sugbo News, also wanted the Hotel, Resort and Restaurant Association of Cebu, Inc.(HRRACI) to set up booths inside CCSC for tourists to easily book accommodation.
While vendors will be allowed inside the CCSC, Vice Mayor Garcia said he will still meet with the Sinulog Foundation, Inc. concerning the charges for the use of basic utilities like water and electricity.
“Mag-meeting ko nila [Sinulog Foundation Inc.] and then pila gyud ilang i-charge,” said the vice mayor thru Sugbo News.
Aside from that, vendors will have to secure the needed permits from Cebu City and abide by guidelines to be released for an orderly conduct of the Sinulog sa Kabataan sa Lalawigan.
Meanwhile, over at the Cebu City Hall, Mayor Rama called on concerned officials to clear Plaza Sugbo from vendors to ensure convenience for the devotees of Señor Santo Niño.
“Ang plaza para sa tawo, ang plaza dili baligya-an nga babuyon. Generally, vending is not allowed (in the area),” Rama said.
Those who will be affected, Rama said, should be selling at the night market instead.
“Those who will be affected, bring them to the night market,” Rama said. — (FREEMAN)