As we gradually rise again towards the new normal, one of the priority programs that the City Government seeks to accomplish is economic rehabilitation. The local economy is among the sectors that experienced the harshest effects of the pandemic. Thus, Mayor Dong intends to put Economic Recovery as one of his key point agenda this year.

One of the priority plans on economic recovery is the creation of the Ambulant Vendors Management Comprehensive Plan through the Office for Public Safety (OPS) and Office of the Strategic Management (OSM).

Through the OPS and OSM’s action plan of Prevention, Apprehension and Integration, the City Government aims to help ambulant vendors become part of the City’s formal economic sector, and to have 52.23% decrease in ambulant vending incidents by the end of 2021. 

In Prevention, the City Government shall create a Task Force composed of the OPS, OSM, Local Economic and Business Development Office (LEBDO), City Planning and Development Office (CPDO), City Philippine National Police (City PNP), and Market Operations. The OPS shall cover target areas to prevent ambulant vendors from operating. 

Apprehension is where ambulant vendors shall be apprehended through a high-tolerance and transparent apprehension protocol without prejudice to their rights. Appropriate penalties shall also be meted out to apprehended ambulant vendors. 

Third is Integration, where the City Government shall help the ambulant vendors by providing alternative locations and livelihood for them. These ambulant vendors shall also be integrated as part of the formal economic sector through their registration with the City ensuring that they have legal identity to operate. Through this, we are able to embrace our vendors and provide them with an inclusive environment where they can rightfully conduct business and earn for their families.

The Ambulant Vendors Management Comprehensive Plan shall also include projects and  programs for ambulant vendors. This is just part of the City’s continuous efforts to create opportunities for growth for our people. We believe that in order to achieve a thriving home, we must first tap and develop our people, who in turn will be our partners in building the San Fernando that we all deserve.

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