Vendors have been temporarily allowed by the Iloilo City Government to occupy spaces in some sidewalks this holiday season.

Under Executive Order No. 406 issued by Mayor Jerry P. Treñas, the use of sidewalks is allowed until Dec. 31 to help vendors recover from the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.

So far, 259 sidewalk vendors have applied for special permits, according to Jeck Conlu, head of the city government’s Public Safety and Transportation Management Office (PSTMO).

Designated sidewalk areas are Iznart Street, from Po’s marketing to Jollibee Iznart; J.M. Basa Street, from Socorro to Washington; Ledesma Street, from Unitop to the corner of F&C Pawnshop; and Delgado Street, from corner Merczi to Iloilo Supermart.

Vendors can also sell their products in front of the SM Savemore at the Pious XII side to the Montinola Mansion and outside the perimeter of Jaro Plaza, across the Evangelical Church, except the area in Ledi Supermart in Jaro district, Jocsin Street and Katilingban (M.H. Del Pilar Street) in Molo district, and De Leon Street in front of the Mandurriao Police Station in Mandurriao district.

They will be monitored by the Special Services Division to make sure that the guidelines are being followed.IMT