Traders ask clear terms on seasonal vendors

CANDABA – A group of traders here urged to local officials to limit the staying of seasonal vendors which they claimed is unfair and disadvantageous to home grown businesses.

“There must be a clear term as to how long they will stay in the main plaza. If they come here for town fiesta, they should leave after the occasion,” one of the traders here who requested anonymity said.

Flooded Candaba Public Marker

Seasonal and other ambulant vendors are coming few weeks before the town fiesta. Some of them stay until Christmas and New Year.

“Ang tagal naming hinihintay ang ganitong season pero iba naman ang nakikinabang. Kasi hindi na papasok sa loob ng palengke ang mga mamimili dahil nagkalat sa labas ang mga dayuhang nagtitinda,” the trader added.

The group clarified that they had nothing against the seasonal vendors. However, they only want clear guidelines with their conduct of business in town without hurting the interest of the local traders.

“Kami, kahit anong panahon, kahit pa may baha nandito lang kami. Sana proteksiyon din nila kami,” another trader lamented.

In one of the public hearings spearheaded by the Sangguniang Bayan involving the market code, Annie Gatbonton, also a trader previously stated that they recognize the right of the seasonal vendors to conduct business in the locality especially after paying certain fees to the municipal government.

“The local officials should also balance the interest of the local traders who stay in the public market all through out the season whether they earn or not,” Gatbonton earlier told the Sangguniang Bayan members.