Clearing the streets of obstructions

Public places such as roads and sidewalks are constructed and designed for public use; hence, no private individual for whatever reason has the right to occupy them or any part thereof for commercial purposes. In Cebu City, for example, access and passage to some city streets is quite difficult, chaotic, and stressful particularly in Carbon market areas where street vendors abound.

It is worth mentioning the names of the streets so the public may know. Manalili Street, Magallanes Street, Plaridel Street, Gonzales Street, Progreso Street, etc., etc. These streets are linked to Carbon market areas where sidewalk vendors occupy some portions of the streets, causing traffic congestion and inconvenience to pedestrians.

However, as of this writing, the street vendors may have already been evicted from their vending location as the Cebu City government was determined to push through with the clearing operation. The sidewalk vendors were given an ultimatum to vacate until noon of Sunday, September 29, 2019.

In line with this, motorists and pedestrians, for sure, will now have easy passage and access to the streets as aforecited. We can then say that strong political will on the part of those who are in power can really make a difference in implementing government programs and activities that redound to the best interest of the majority of our people.

In his fourth State of the Nation Address, President Duterte instructed the local government units to clear their respective streets from all kinds of obstructions purposely to ensure speedy and smooth flow of vehicular traffic. Manila City was one of the local government units in the country to respond immediately to President Duterte's instruction.

Neophyte Manila City mayor Francisco "Isko" Moreno Domagoso led the clearing operation so aggressively that no less than President Duterte himself was in awe of him. Other cities in Metro Cebu like Mandaue, Lapu-Lapu, and Talisay have their own version in clearing their roads of obstructions.

The other day I happened to pass by Barangay Tabunok in Talisay City as well as the street in Barangay Mantuyong in Mandaue City where the public market is located. It was really delightful to one's eyes to see their streets already free of obstructions.

In Lapu-Lapu City where I am a bona fide resident, all the city streets are now cleared of obstructions of whatever kind. Mind you, even the small carenderia of my sister was not spared from the clearing operation, the front portion of it had to be reduced in compliance with the easement requirement.

Joselito S. Berdin

Lapu-Lapu City