Fuente vendors ‘earn less’ as trade fair moves to Plaza
As Sinulog draws near, sidewalk vendors and several business establishments within Fuente Osmeña Circle, one of Cebu's landmarks, decried this year's lower sales compared to the same period last year.
With the city's decision to transfer the annual ‘Pasko sa Sugbo' to Plaza Independencia, traditionally held at the Fuente Osmeña Rotunda, vendors said this year's month-long Sinulog celebration has so far been the most off for many years in terms of income.
“Lahi ra gyud karon'g tuiga kay wala nama'y kalingawan diri sa sentro gibalhin naman. Wala na'y tao hapit so labi gyud ming apektado,” said Rey Andales, a fruit vendor for 17 years.
According to the city government, such change was done due to the appalling traffic caused by the event, as well as to provide safety to the public given the risks.
Less than two weeks before the Sinulog Grand Parade, Carmela Natial, a sales lady of a local bakeshop located right across the rotunda, said the past two years of Sinulog have given them lesser income because of the security threats and now, the transfer of entertainment to Plaza Independencia.
But to some vendors, it was a welcome development.
Despite being affected of the changes made on this year's Sinulog, Arnel Itao, a peanut vendor for 20 years, said a smoother flow of traffic during this time of the month can now be observed in the area.
Instead of airing her concerns, a lady vendor selling assorted items along Fuente Osmeña for 20 years, is in favor of the city's move even if it affects her daily living.
“Naa man gihapon halin pero igo-igo ra gyud dili sama sa una. Uyon ra ko sa gibuhat sa siyudad kay para sa peace and order. Wala sad ta'y mahimo kay siya man ang mayor,” she told The FREEMAN.
Other vendors affected by the sudden change are appealing to Cebu City Mayor Tomas Osmeña to reconsider bringing back the nightly entertainment to the Fuente Osmeña Circle next year.
In lieu of the accustomed merriment at the rotunda, the city's Department of Tourism will transform the rotunda into a “Selfie Central” where people can have their photos taken. This will also be a place for this year's Sinulog major advertisers to promote their products.
However, City Tourism head Malou Tabar made it clear that the sponsors are not allowed to sell anything.
“We came up with the idea as part of the mileage of our sponsors kay naa man gihapo'y manganha,” Tabar told The FREEMAN.