Marikina provides sidewalks vendors loans
By providing vendors with spaces, they can sell their goods without being an obstruction to city streets
The Marikina City government is finding permanent locations where ambulant and sidewalk vendors can sell their wares.
Mayor Marcelino Teodoro said the move will keep sidewalks throughout the city free from all forms of obstructions.
In line with the Department of the Interior and Local Government’s directive to clear all metro roads within 60 days from end of July, the city has imposed a three-strike policy on all sidewalk vendors.
The mayor said this is why sidewalk vendors should be provided with decent places where they can sell their products and even be provided with opportunities for microfinancing when needed. “We have appealed to them, we have made them understand that sidewalks are for people — and not for business,” Teodoro said.
The city has designated market zones where vendors can do business without being a hindrance to shoppers.
“Here in Marikina, we have provided alternative locations for vendors. We have adjusted to their needs. That’s why we have created the Marikina Public Market Zone. That is why there are no ambulant vendors in the city,” he explained.
The city is also opening a new public market worth P11 million later in the year to offer new spaces for entrepreneurs.
The Marikina City Bagong Sibol Market will be as big as a basketball court and can house around 100 vendors.
Teodoro said rental for spaces will be minimal. “Sidewalk vendors pose an economic problem. That’s why the solution should also be based on economics. And this is to provide them with microfinancing,” he explained.
“We have developed places like this so that vendors can have a decent place where they can sell their products. We help them and, at the same time, they help our local economy,” he added.