Wednesday, April 30, 2008
BARANGAY MEETING WITH STREET VENDORS IN QUIAPO
There was a public meeting going on outside the Barangay Zone 306 hall yesterday, across the street from Kim Chong Tin Hopia Factory on Carlos Palanca Street in Quiapo. So right after I got the mini hopia that my mother had asked me to get for her, I crossed the street to check out what the meeting was all about.
It turned out to be the barangay officials' meeting with some of the street vendors of Palanca Street (formerly Echague).
Barangay Chairman Josie Dee was showing the vendors the new yellow-painted cart that all the vendors are encouraged to use beginning this coming June. There will be a stainless steel version of it for the seafood vendors. In addition, it was also mentioned that all vendors may be required to wear identical clothing like a T-shirt so as to identify them as authorized vendors in the area.
Although there wasn't any price set on the cart as of yet, the chairman assured the vendors that they may all borrow one in the beginning. Later on, they may arrange with the barangay treasurer to pay for them on installment basis -- 20 pesos a day.
In accordance to Mayor Lim's program, the barangay officials are encouraging the street vendors to adhere to all regulations, including remaining in designated areas and not to occupy the sidewalks. The barangay office has been receiving numerous complaints from many people for their inability to walk on the sidewalks, especially on rainy days. Furthermore, the chairwoman mentioned reported incidents in which some pedestrians who had taken to walking on the streets were hit by tricycles and pedicabs.
Many other significant points were raised by the barangay officials to improve the conditions on Carlos Palanca Street. And if such improvements were maintained, they argued, many more people will come to visit and shop at the area, which could result to an increase in business.
I wish the barangay officials and street vendors the best. With full cooperation from everyone involved, I'm sure they're bound to succeed. I will go back to Palanca Street from time to time to check out the developments.
For now, good luck, folks!
I very much appreciate my articles and photos appearing on fellow bloggers' sites, popular broadsheets, and local broadcast news segments, but I would appreciate even more a request for permission first.
Thank you!
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posted by Señor Enrique at 7:16 AM
17 Comments:
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FilMasons NSW said... Color coded carts and uniforms, sounds like Olongapo City's former Mayor Richard Gordon's color coded scheme.
I would rather have them (carts and vendors) in multi-coloured carts to differentiate them.
Nice pictures and take on the Barangay meeting.
Mario-
FilMasons NSW said...
Nga pala Eric, I've been updating my blogs. Thanks for dropping by the last time.
Mario
http://www.jak-onthewayto.blogspot.com/
http://ondaway2honey.blogspot.com/
Pa-plug... thanks!-
Señor Enrique said...
I think with nice carts and uniform, everyone would be inspired -- both the vendors and city officials alike.
And with a more organized and orderly endeavor, I'm sure many more visitors will be attracted to walk the streets of Quiapo.
I'd drop by more often but my dial-up Internet connection takes forever to open many blogsites. Unbearable at times :(-
Unknown said...
Congratulations, Senor E for the great commentaries on life in Manila. This latest one is ever closer to where I grew up-on P.Casal St., about 2 blocks? from Ayala bridge. In that monstrous 4-storey building called the Li Seng Giap bldg. Pls. do a travelogue? on that side of town. I remember my dad telling me that San Miguel Brewery used to have their main offices there, along the banks of the Pasig river. Also, San Miguel Church is in the immediate vicinity, & the Singian Clinic as well.
Best regards-
said... It is good that we can see how at the baranggay unit level, things could work out well if everyone talks and then listen.
This is a good step ahead for government reform.
By the way, I see that the baranngay meeting scene is such an interesting view, like it could be a subject of a modern
painting masterpiece.-
Señor Enrique said...
Thank you, William!
I've always wanted to do a photo shoot of your old neighborhood; however, not so easy to accomplish on account of Malacanang Palace being in the area. There is a strict no photography rule in the vicinity. Actually, I've also wanted to check out the San Miguel Church, but going through all the presidential guard check points is just not worth the hassle :(
Nonetheless, I'll see if there's someone I know who can help facilitate doing a shoot -- not of the palace but the surrounding areas.-
Señor Enrique said...
And it's for the benefit of the entire neighborhood, Major Tom, if everyone would cooperate. This may also keep in line the incorrigible tricycle and pedicab operators and sidewalk vendors.
Interesting observation, Major Tom. The first photo is indeed reminiscent of those massive paintings/murals depicting market and festive scenes.-
nutart said...
actually, I go for multi-colored market scenes. Color-coding for me is of course a way of organizing things...but the important part is the cleanliness and orderliness of the stalls. I'm reminded of French and German stalls (which of course must not be in comparison)...but in essence there is a bit of individuality encouraged which makes for the homey-ness of their settings.And...no plastic bags strewn around! You are to carry your own tote and market bags!
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mgaputonimimi said...
nakakatuwa tignan na matiwasay sila nagme meeting..
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Señor Enrique said...
I think here in Quiapo, Bernadette, this color-coded scheme is a necessary evil so as to establish order ... hehehe.
Besides, Quiapo is colorful and vibrant enough so these uniform color in cart and clothing may turn out to be not all right after all :)
Would be nice if they get rid of plastic bags altogether!-
Señor Enrique said...
The vendors seem favorable with everything that was raised during the meeting, Mimi. I think they want everything to work out :)
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said...
Senor, in Olongapo they were called "Blue Boys" and "Blue Ladies" (blue color is associated with the Gordon's). Vendors are required to wear I.D's (no matter what you sell), they were in-charged of cleaning the area near them aside from regular sweepers. That is why you would seldom see dirty street in the city.
I hope it works in Manila.-
Señor Enrique said...
I must admit, Mandaragat, that Olongapo City's clean streets and the interest of its populace to keep it as such is truly impressive!
I also like the color-coded jeepneys -- very intuitive and prevents confusion amongst the commuters.
Excellent initiatives by the city, indeed.
I haven't the chance yet to visit the markets. Next time :)-
reyd said...
Naku, maguuniporme na pala yung mga nagtitinda ng kastanyas sa tapat ng Hopia ni Kiko, o baka wala na sila sa sidewalk?. Lol
Dapat lang na isaayos talaga ang mga nagtitinda sa Echague. Para may madaanan yung mga namimili.
Sanayan din yan, since my younger years, sa kalye kami naglalakad sa may ilalim ng tulay.
Bago kami bumalik dito, parati kaming dumadaan diyan para bumili ng hopia at kung ano ano pa, para pasalubong dito sa US.-
Señor Enrique said...
I was just there again yesterday, Reyd. Namili ako ng mga makukutkot ng mga bata na bisita sa bahay. Meron din namang mabibili dito na malapit-lapit sa bhay pero iba pa din pag sa Palanca ... hehehe.
Dapat lamang nilang i-organize ang kalyeng ito. Sobra ng magulo.-
said...
hey. didnt you know josie dee was one of the most corrupt barangay leader of the 30 zone 30!! SHIT!! she made promises!! But the bitch owned the car that was for the barangay.. u bitch make me sick!!! but thank god our new barangay leader for 2011 has regain the honor of quiapo!!! liberty and loyalty what a good man!!!
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said...
most corrupt barangay leader!! vendors have to pay everyday! not now with new barangay chairm, honest and rich. no need to steal
